Edlesborough Parish Council

Parish Council Minutes for 1899 - 1963

Edlesborough Parish Council is most grateful to Councillor John Wilkinson who has painstakingly typed-up these Minutes from the original hand written Minute Book in the Council's archives. This work was completed and posted on this website on 19.7.07. What stands out is how relatively well attended those Annual Parish Meetings were, especially when one considers how much smaller the population was in those days. Parishioners certainly took much more interest in their local community then. It is also interesting that extra Parish Meetings were held to discuss items of particular concern, in addition to the statutory annual one. Perhaps the Council Meetings were not open to the public as they are today. They certainly elected their Councillors in a different way in those days! If you visit Meetings & Minutes you will be able to see how today's EPC meetings are organised and the wide range of topics that are covered.

Parish Meeting held Sep 14^th 1899

The parish councillors present were Messrs M.Sharratt, Chairman, J.Batchelar, G.Smith, W.Gray, G.Horn, W.Snoxell A.Gray with the Clerk E.Janes.

Amongst the general public were Messrs B.Mead, G.Horn jun., E.Reeve, J.Circuit, W.Allison, W.Kempson etc.

The Chairman in opening the meeting said the subject to be discussed was the question of sewerage for Edlesborough and to find out the opinion of the parish whether they should join Eaton Bray or do what is necessary in our own parish. He said the parish council had unanimously passed a resolution against any joint scheme and they represented about one sixth of the rateable value of the parish.

Mr J.Batchelar said he felt very strongly on the question and he did not approve of the way in which the Eaton Bray council are acting.

Mr W.Gray said that at present they did not know what the scheme was except that they were asked to pay half the cost which would drain about three cottages in Edlesborough and about forty in Eaton Bray. He could see no need for a sewerage scheme but if it was necessary, let us have a scheme of our own.

Mr. G.Horn said he could see no benefit they would receive by joining with Eaton Bray.

Mr B.Mead said he should like to know where the nuisances were. The water is pure and if there is anything it is in a few cottages which should be removed by the owners of the property.

Mr J.Circuit advised not to join with Eaton Bray.

Mr E.Reeve said he thought a sewerage scheme possibly might be a greater nuisance than allowing it to continue as at present.

It was then proposed by Mr J.Batchelar and seconded by Mr E.Reeve

"That this parish meeting of ratepayers of Edlesborough strongly objects to any joint scheme of sewerage in connection with the parish of Eaton Bray."

Carried unanimously.

This concluded the meeting.

Second Parish Meeting held Sep 28^th 1899 to further consider the question of sewerage and to suggest a scheme for Edlesborough

Councillors present were Messrs M.Sharratt presiding, J.Batchelar, W.Gray, G.Horn, W.Snoxell, G.Smith, A.Gray & T.Goodson with the Clerk E.Janes

Mr Mckenzie the district surveyor attended by request and Mr C.Rogers, district councillor was also present and a good attendance of Ratepayers.

After the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed the Chairman called upon Mr McKenzie to explain the joint scheme. Mr McKenzie said this parish had been reported by the Doctor and the Nuisance Inspector to be at fault with regard to its drainage and he had taken levels and found the drainage would run best towards Summerleys. He agreed that they should not have a joint scheme unless they wanted it.

Mr Batchelar referring to what the surveyor had said gave it as his opinion that the drainage had never been reported as defective until Eaton Bray were ordered to do their drainage.

The Surveyor said he estimated that the portion that they would have to pay for Summerleys drain would be about £135 and do what was required afterwards.

The Chairman said the question is whether this meeting would suggest a scheme which would answer the purpose of a joint scheme.

Mr W.Gray said he considered that an alternative scheme should be proposed.

Mr C.Rogers suggested that the meeting be adjourned for a fortnight for the surveyor to take levels of the proposed schemes and estimate the cost. Mr Batchelar opposed the suggestion.

A resolution was then moved by Mr J.Batchelar and seconded by Mr W.Gray

"That after further consideration and having carefully examined and enquired into the surveyor's design of a system of sewers as arranged for the two parishes, we still adhere to our former resolution viz That this parish meeting of the Ratepayers of Edlesborough strongly objects to any joint scheme of sewerage in connection with the Parish of Eaton Bray and that we are however willing and anxious to do all that is necessary to improve the sanitary condition of the Parish." Carried unanimously.

Mr W.Gray suggested the following resolution:

"That this parish meeting of the ratepayers of Edlesborough suggests as an alternative scheme that the individual owners be called upon to make provision for their own sewerage and if this is thought to be insufficient we desire that the Surveyor be asked to take levels of the sites suggested at the parish meeting to formulate a scheme for part of the parish of Edlesborough. Mr G. Smith seconded the resolution which was carried, only one voting against it.

Mr Batchelar wished to divide the resolution as he thought they were committing themselves, but it was allowed to go intact. A vote of thanks to the surveyor for attending the meeting & explaining concluded the meeting.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 29^th 1900

Members of the council present were:

Messrs M.Sharratt, "presiding"

W.Snoxell

G.Horn

J.Batchelar

G.Smith

W.Gray

A.Gray and

J.Pratt

Parishioners present W.W.Allison, G.Howard, W.Crees & E.Janes the Clerk.

The minutes of the last Parish meeting were read and confirmed. A statement of the Income and Expenditure of the Parish Council for the past year was then read and approved.

Mr J.Batchelar wished to know what was being done respecting the Town Lands Charity. Mr M.Sharratt explained the matter and said Trustees were appointed and would see that the accounts would be settled satisfactorily. After further discussion Mr J.Batchelar said he thought it was not satisfactory at present.

Mr W. Gray moved that we go on with the next business.

The Chairman then asked if any of the Parishioners wished to suggest anything or bring any matter before council.

Mr W.Gray said he thought something should be done respecting the watercourses which have been neglected for years.

After a lengthy discussion it was agreed to inspect the award at the next Parish Council meeting and consider what to do in the matter.

Mr G.Horn moved "That the Clerk be instructed to write to the County Surveyor calling his attention to the unsatisfactory condition of the County Road at Dagnall. Seconded by Mr J.Pratt. Carried nem. con.

Mr. W.Gray gave notice that he would bring before the Parish council a motion respecting the control of the Recreation Ground.

This concluded the business.

Election of Parish Councillors and Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 4^th 1901

There were present Messrs M.Sharratt. W.Snoxell, A.Gray, J.Batchelar, G.Smith, J.Pratt, W.W.Allison, W.Scott, W.J.Heley, L.Mallett and T.Goodson with the Clerk E.Janes.

Mr M.Sharratt, chairman of the parish council, took the chair, but finding he was nominated for election called upon the meeting to elect some other person. It was unanimously agreed for Mr Allison to take the chair.

The number of nomination papers handed in were nine, that being the number of councillors to be elected, viz., Messrs John Batchelar, Thomas Charles Goodson, Walter Gray, Amos Gray jun., John Pratt, Mark Sharratt, George Smith, Walter Smith and William Snoxell. The chairman then declared the nine candidates duly elected and Mr Batchelar proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Allison for presiding which was seconded by Mr Sharratt and carried unanimously.

The annual assembly of the parish meeting was then held.

Mr Sharratt resumed the chair and the Clerk read the minutes of the last parish meeting and gave a statement of income and expenditure for the past year which was put to the meeting and approved.

A discussion then arose respecting the watercourses in the parish, which are stated to be in a very unsatisfactory condition having, it was said, been neglected for years. It was agreed to bring the matter forward at a future meeting also the question respecting the bad state of the footpath by the allotments at Northall.

Mr John Batchelar proposed that all the parish council meetings be open to parochial electors. This was seconded by Mr Geo Smith and carried nem. con.

As no other matter of importance was introduced the meeting was then closed.

Parish Meeting held Aug 1^st 1901

The Parish councillors present were:

Messrs M.Sharratt, Chairman, W.Snoxell, G.Smith, T.Goodson, A.Gray, W.Gray, J.Batchelar & E.Janes (Clerk).

There were also present:

Messrs G.Horn, P.Peppiatt, W.W.Allison, A.Janes, W.J.Heley, J.Hazzard, T.George sen. Eaton Bray and Mr Mckenzie the Surveyor.

The Chairman in opening the meeting said the subject to be discussed was the question of an amended joint sewerage scheme with parish of Eaton Bray. It was proposed by Mr W.Gray and seconded by Mr Snoxell and agreed that the surveyor explain the amended scheme. Mr Mckenzie then laid the plans before the meeting and gave an explanation of what was required.

It was then proposed by Mr G.Horn and seconded by Mr P.Peppiatt and carried unanimously "That this parish meeting still strongly objects to any joint sewerage scheme with the parish of Eaton Bray."

A vote of thanks to Mr McKenzie for attending and explaining was proposed by Mr Sharratt and seconded by Mr Batchelar and carried.

As this concluded the business the meeting then closed.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 18^th 1902

Members of the Council present were:

Messrs M.Sharratt, presiding, W.Snoxell, J.Batchelar, G.Smith, W.Gray, J.Pratt, A.Gray and E.Janes, Clerk.

Parishioners present were:

Messrs L.Mallett, J.Meakins, A.Janes, E.Newman, W.Heley, G.Sear.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

A statement of Income and Expenditure of the Parish Council for the past year was then read and approved.

The Chairman then asked if any of the parishioners had anything to bring before the Council or any comments to make. There was then a short discussion about the watercourses and the Chairman explained that a special meeting must be called to deal with that matter.

As nothing further was brought up the Chairman declared the meeting closed.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 31^st 1903

Members of the Parish Council present were:

Messrs M.Sharratt (Chairman), W.Snoxell, W.Gray, G.Smith, L.S.Mallett and E.Janes (Clerk).

There were also present:

Messrs E.Newman and W.J.Heley.

The Clerk gave a statement of income and expenditure of the Parish Council for the past year which being put to the meeting was declared satisfactory.

A short discussion then ensued respecting footpaths and watercourses, but nothing definite was decided upon so the Chairman declared the meeting closed as a Parish Council meeting would follow the close of this meeting.

Parish Meeting for the election of Parish Councillors, held on March 7^th 1904

Present Messrs W.W.Allison, W.Gray, M.Sharratt, J.Pratt, W.J.Heley, E.Newman, W.Snoxell, G.Smith, L.S.Mallett, L.Syrett, W.Oakins, W.Warren, A.Rollings and E.Janes, Clerk.

Mr W.Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council, being nominated for election, called upon the meeting to appoint a provisional chairman. It was then unanimously agreed that Mr Allison take the chair.

Nomination papers were then handed to the Chairman, thirteen in number, and all were declared valid, namely those of Messrs W.Ashby, G.Bailey, W.Gray, W.J.Heley, L.S.Mallett, E.Newman, J. Pratt, F.Putman, C.Rogers, M.Sharratt, G.Smith, W.Snoxell and L.Syrett. The Chairman then stated that the numbers of councillors to be elected were nine and after a short discussion Messrs Snoxell and Newman withdrew their candidature. The other names were put to the meeting for election and voted for by show of hands as follows:

Ashby, William 4

Bailey, George 2

Gray, Walter 10

Heley, William James 7

Mallett, Lionel Sear 10

Pratt, John 9

Putman, Fred 9

Rogers, Charles 1

Sharratt, Mark 5

Smith, George 9

Syrett, Lewis 8

Messrs Bailey & Rogers were the non elected candidates. The only change on the Council being Messrs Ashby and Syrett instead of Messrs Snoxell and Newman, and as there was no poll demanded, the Chairman stated that this was the completion of election business and vacated the chair in favour of Mr. Gray. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Allison for presiding.

This being also the annual assembly of the Parish Meeting, the Clerk gave a statement of income and expenditure of the Parish Council for the past year, which showed that the expenses on the allotments had exceeded the income by £6-17s-11d, the payments being £26-17s-7d while the rents received were £19-19s-8d.

A discussion arose respecting the watercourses and footpaths in the parish which it was said required further attention, and it was mentioned that an improvement was made by Mr Gray taking the trouble and expense of having the brook by the Recreation Ground cleaned out.

The question respecting the Town Land's Charity was again discussed and Mr Sharratt, who is one of the trustees of this charity, mentioned that a scheme was submitted to the Charity Commissioners for their sanction as to spending the income, and the matter would be dealt with at a future meeting.

As there was no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed.

Annual assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 31^st 1905

The chair was taken by Mr W.Gray, the Chairman of the Parish Council. The other members of the Council present were Messrs L.S.Mallett, J.Pratt, G.Smith, M.Sharratt, W.J.Heley, L.Syrett and E.Reeve, with E.Janes (Clerk) and about twenty parishioners.

The Clerk gave a statement of income and expenditure of the Parish Council for the past year, which being put to the meeting was declared satisfactory.

A discussion then arose from the minutes of the last parish meeting respecting the spending of the income of Town Lands Charity. Mr Sharratt (a Trustee of the Charity) gave a detailed account of the proceedings the Trustees had taken in submitting a scheme to the Charity Commissioners for their sanction, to apply the income towards defraying expenses of providing a Parish Nurse. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed to formulate another scheme as the income of the Charity would not amount to more than £10 annually, and that a large amount would be required by voluntary subscriptions which was thought by the majority present could not be raised annually.

Mr E.Newman proposed that the income be given away in Coal, Blankets and Flannel in the months of December and January to the poor and needy of the parish. Mr J.Cobb seconded.

The Clerk moved as an amendment that the scheme be prepared so as to provide a grant of a certain sum of money in cases of Births and Deaths to parishioners who apply for the same and produce the certificate of Birth or Death as the case may be. The amount to be given as agreed upon annually by the Trustees. No one seconded this amendment.

The proposition was then put to the meeting and carried nem. con.

As this concluded the business of the Parish Meeting, the Chairman declared the meeting closed.

Annual Assembly of Parish Meeting held on March 30^th 1906

The chair was taken by Mr W.Gray the Chairman of the Parish Council. The other members of the Council present were Messrs L.S.Mallett, W.J.Heley, G.Smith, F.Putman, M.Sharratt, J.Pratt, L.Syrett and E.Janes (Clerk).

Parishioners present were Messrs E.Newman, W.Snoxell, T.Dith, B.Gray, J.Janes, D.Sear, T.Smith, A.Bunker & W.Short.

The Clerk gave a statement of income and expenditure of the Parish Council for the past year, including the allotment accounts, which being put to the meeting were declared satisfactory.

Town Lands Charity accounts were then presented by Mr Newman (one of the Trustees) showing a balance in hand of £63-9s-10d. After a lengthened discussion respecting the formulation of a scheme for the spending of the income and the balance in hand, it was agreed to adjourn the question for the Trustees to present a scheme at a future meeting.

Parish Meeting for the election of Parish Councillors held on March 4^th 1907

There were present: Messrs W.W.Allison, L.S.Mallett, E.H.Newman, G.Smith, A.Janes, W.Gray, T.Goodson, F.Nichols, F.Putman, J.Harris, L.Syrett, B.Gray, T.Smith, A.Bunker, T.Jarvis and E.Janes (Clerk).

Mr L.S.Mallett, Chairman of the Parish Council, being nominated for election, called upon the meeting to appoint a provisional Chairman. It was unanimously agreed that Mr Allison take the chair.

Twelve nomination papers were then handed to the Chairman and all were declared valid. There was no poll demanded and the candidates elected by show of hands were as follows:

Gray, Walter 15

Harris, james 14

Mallett, Lionel Sear 15

Pratt, John 14

Putman, Fred 15

Sear, George 14

Sharratt, Mark 13

Short, William 11

Syrett, Lewis 15

Messrs A.Bunker and T.Jarvis withdrew their candidature and Mr W.J.Heley 10 votes, not elected. Messrs Harris , Sear and Short supersede Messrs Heley, Reeve and Smith. The Chairman the vacated the Chair in favour of Mr Mallett and a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Allison for presiding.

The annual Parish Meeting was then held. The Clerk gave a statement of the income and expenditure of the Parish Council, with the allotment accounts which showed a balance in hand of £46-4s-10d, including one year's rents , £18-16s-6d paid in advance by allotment holders, the increase of balance since last year being 9s 4d.

The Town Lands Charity accounts were then presented by Mr Newman (one of the Trustees)and showed a balance in hand of £71-4s-10d. A letter received from the Charity Commissioners was laid before the meeting respecting the steps taken by the former trustees to establish a Parish Nurse, and as at the annual assembly of the Parish Meeting in 1905 objections were raised against the said scheme, the Charity Commissioners wrote that they wished to know what steps had been taken in the matter. A lengthy discussion ensued respecting the Nursing Scheme and how it could be maintained.

The Clerk suggested that Mr Newman and himself should formulate a scheme so as to provide a grant of a certain sum of money towards defraying the cost of a nurse to attend in cases of Births and Deaths of deserving and necessitous poor bona fide resident in the Parish, the amount to be given as agreed to annually by the Trustees, who shall keep a record of all recipients.

A proposition was made by Mr Harris and seconded by Mr Smith that a Parish meeting be held to further consider the matter. As an amendment, it was proposed by Mr Gray and seconded by Mr Newman that a scheme be formulated as suggested by the Clerk, and on being put to the meeting, four voted for the amendment and ten for the proposition. It was then agreed that a meeting be held on Monday, March 18^th at seven o'clock, pm.

A Parish Meeting was held on Monday evening March 18^th 1907, as agreed at the annual assembly of the Parish Meeting

Among those present were:

Messrs L.S.Mallett, E.H.Newman, J.Pratt sen., J.Pratt jun., M.Sharratt, W.Gray, W.W.Allison, A.Sear, A.Bunker, F.Nichols.

Mr Mallett presided and in opening the meeting stated that the object they had met for was to further consider the proposed nursing scheme. Mr E.Janes (Clerk to the Parish Council) gave a brief history of the Town Lands Charity from abstracts of documents dating back about four hundred years, and read communications respecting the same received from the Charity Commissioners, and notes from the Minute Book of steps taken in the past years to formulate a scheme for spending the income of the Charity.

Mr Sharratt explained in detail how he considered a Nursing Scheme could be managed & maintained, his remarks being listened to with great attention.

After several others had spoken in favour of and against the scheme, Mr Sharratt proposed, "that the Nursing Scheme be adopted." Mr Bunker seconded and thirty voted for and fourteen against. There were about sixty parishioners present.

A committee was then formed to proceed with the Nursing Scheme.

Annual Assembly of Parish Meeting held 27^th March 1908

The chair was taken by Mr L.S.Mallett, Chairman of the Parish Council. Other members of the Council present were: Messrs M.Sharratt, F.Putman, J.Pratt, G.Sear, L.Syrett, W.Short, T.Jarvis and E.Janes (Clerk), with about one hundred parishioners.

The Clerk presented a statement of receipts and payments of the Parish Council for the past year, which being put to the meeting was declared satisfactory.

Mr E.H.Newman presented the accounts of the Town Lands Charity and on the proposition of Mr W.Gray seconded by Mr J.Pratt they were unanimously approved.

The Clerk then mentioned that Randell's Charity Bread was distributed as usual the week before Easter at the respective schools, 267 loaves at Dagnall, 179 loaves at Northall, 418 loaves at Edlesborough.

The question respecting Randell's Charity being given part in flour and part in bread was then considered and after a lengthy discussion the matter was adjourned.

The bad condition of Slickett's Lane was then mentioned and on the proposition of Mr W.Gray seconded by Mr W.Short, it was agreed for the Clerk to write to the Surveyor calling attention to the matter.

Mr F.Howard proposed and Mr W.Gray seconded and it was agreed that the Clerk be instructed to write to the owner of the hedge between the Recreation Ground and the Allotment Gardens asking for same to be repaired.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held 30^th March 1909

The chair was taken by Mr M.Sharratt, Chairman of the Parish Council. Other members of the Council present were: Messrs L.S.Mallett, G.Sear, W.Short, F.Putman, J.Harris, T.Jarvis, L.Syrett,& E.Janes, Clerk.

Parishioners present were Messrs F.Nichols, W.Kempson & E.Pearson.

The Clerk presented a statement of receipts and payments of the Parish Council for the past year which were put to the meeting and declared satisfactory.

The accounts of Town Lands Charity were presented and on the proposition of Mr.Mallett seconded by Mr Putman, they were approved.

The Clerk mentioned that Randell's Charity Bread was distributed as usual the week before Easter at the respective schools, 267 loaves at Dagnall, 179 loaves at Northall and 418 loaves at Edlesborough.

As the question of giving part of Randell's Charity in flour has not yet been decided, the Clerk was instructed on the proposition of Mr Mallett seconded by Mr Syrett and unanimously agreed, to write to the Charity Commissioners asking what is being done in the matter.

On the proposition of Mr Mallett seconded by Mr Sear, it was unanimously agreed that the Clerk write to the Chairman of the Wing Rural District Council and forward the following resolution "That the attention of the District Council be called to the unsatisfactory condition of the roads in the parish where London Rubbish has been used for repairs, namely Slicketts Lane and Cock Close Road, Edlesborough and Southend Road, Northall which is considered a great waste of public money.

The question respecting the balance of the Voluntary School rate was discussed and on the proposition of Mr Nicholls seconded by Mr Pearson, it was unanimously agreed that the Clerk write to the Chairman of the late managers of the Voluntary School for information respecting the closing of the accounts. If the accounts have been balanced? The amount in hand? And for the usual public balance sheet.

Parish Meeting for election of Parish Councillors held on March 14^th 1910

There were present: Messrs W.W.Allison, M.Sharratt, J.Pratt, L.S.Mallett, G.Sear, F.Putman, J,Harris, T.Jarvis, W.J.Heley, A.James, E.H.Newman, G.Smith, B.Gray and E.Janes, Clerk.

Mr Sharratt, Chairman of the Parish Council, being nominated for election called upon the meeting to appoint a chairman. On the proposition of Mr Pratt, seconded by Mr Mallet, it was unanimously agreed that Mr Allison take the chair.

Nine nominations of candidates were then handed to the Chairman and all declared valid, namely: Messrs James Harris, Thomas W.Jarvis, Lionel Sear Mallett, John Pratt, Fred Putman, George Sear, Mark Sharratt, William Short, Lewis Syrett. The number of councillors to be elected were nine and there being no poll demanded, the Chairman declared the nine candidates, who were all old members of the Council, elected.

Mr Sharratt then proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Allison for presiding which was seconded by Mr Pratt and unanimously carried.

This being also the annual assembly of the parish meeting, Mr Sharratt resumed the chair and the Clerk gave a statement of income and expenditure of the Parish Council for the past year.

The charity accounts were also presented. The balance of the Town Lands Charity, now the Parish Nurse Charity, £30-0s-2d being now invested by order of the Charity Commissioners in the name of "The Official Trustee of Charitable Funds in India" £3-10s per cent, Stock Value £31-1s-2d.

Randell's Charity Bread was distributed as usual the week before Easter at the respective school rooms, 179 loaves at Northall, 267 loaves at Dagnall and 418 loaves at Edlesborough.

On the proposition of Mr Allison, seconded by Mr Sear the accounts were unanimously approved.

A letter received from the Rev Archdeacon Brooks, late chairman of the Voluntary Church Schools, in reply to the resolution passed at the annual assembly of the Parish Meeting March 30^th 1909, respecting the balance of the Voluntary School Rate, stating that the Parish Council have no authority in the matter, their authority being limited to council schools.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held 28^th March 1911

Mr M.Sharratt, Chairman of the Parish Council presiding. Others present were: Messrs L.S.Mallett, W.Gray, A.Janes, G.Sear, J.Pratt, W.Short, J.Harris, T.Jarvis, W.Kempson, C.Worthy and E.Janes, Clerk.

The statement of receipts and payments of the Parish Council and allotments and Charity accounts were presented by the Clerk and were unanimously approved.

A discussion was raised upon the minutes of the previous meeting respecting the balance of the voluntary school rate and it was agreed on the proposition of Mr Jarvis, seconded by Mr Short, to refer the question to the School Managers.

Mr Gray moved and Mr Sear seconded the following resolution which was carried unanimously: "That the attention of the trustees to Church Estate and Parish Nurse Charity (formerly Town Lands Charity) be called to the dilapidated condition of the buildings as let to Mr E.Reeve at Northall."

Randell's Charity Bread was distributed as usual the week before Easter at the respective school rooms, 179 loaves at Northall, 267 loaves at Dagnall and 418 loaves at Edlesborough

Mr Sear mentioned that Gingers Charity Bread was distributed at Christmas, 80 loaves at Northall and 160 at Edlesborough, the yearly income being about £4-17s-6d.

The year's income from Parish Nurse Charity of £10-10s was paid to the Treasurer of the Nurse Committee on June 28^th 1910.

It was agreed to call a public meeting to consider in what way to celebrate the Coronation.

Annual Parish Meeting held March 26^th 1912

The chair was taken by Mr M.Sharratt, Chairman of the Parish Council. Other members of the Council present were: Messrs G. Sear, L.Syrett, J.Pratt, W.Short, T.Jarvis and the Clerk, E.Janes.

The Clerk presented a statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council including the Allotments for the past year. Also the Charity accounts which showed amount received from the Trustees of Town Lands Charity being one third of the income, £9-14s-7d and interest on money invested, £1-17s-11d. These amounts paid to the Parish Nursing Association. The accounts were declared satisfactory.

Mr Reeve's attention having been called to the dilapidated condition of the buildings on the charity land situated at Northall, has now promised to have them repaired.

The Clerk stated that the Randell's Charity Bread was distributed as usual the week before Easter at the school rooms, Dagnall 267 loaves, Northall 179 loaves and Edlesborough 418 loaves.

Gingers Charity was distributed as usual at Christmas, 80 loaves at Northall and 160 at Edlesborough.

As this concluded the business of the Parish Meeting, the Chairman declared the meeting closed, a Parish Council meeting having to follow.

Parish Meeting for the election of Parish Councillors held on March 17^th 1913

Seventeen parishioners attended the meeting. Mr W.Kempson occupied the Chair.

Twelve nominations of candidates were then handed to the Chairman and all were declared valid. Mr A.Sharratt withdrew his candidature. The eleven were then voted for by show of hands, result as follows:

Bates, Sidney Arthur 8 votes

Gray, Walter 6 "

Harris, James 9 "

Jarvis, Thomas Wellington 10 "

Palmer, Charles Jasper Rev 10 "

Pratt, John 13 "

Putman, Fred 12 "

Sear, George 12 "

Sharratt, Mark 14 "

Short, William 12 "

Tooley, Frederick 3 "

Messrs W.Gray & F.Tooley not elected.

Messrs S.A.Bates & Rev C.J.Palmer supersede Messrs L.S.Mallett and L.Syrett.

No poll being demanded, the Chairman declared the nine candidates elected. A vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr Kempson for presiding.

The Annual Parish Meeting was then held. Mr Geo Sear Vice Chairman of the Parish Council took the chair. The Clerk then read the minutes of the last Parish Meeting and the statements of Income and Expenditure of the Parish Council and Charity accounts for the year, which were put to the meeting and passed as satisfactory.

A vote of sympathy with Mr Sharratt was passed trusting he soon may be restored to his usual health and be able to resume his former duties.

The Clerk stated that Randell's Charity Bread was distributed as usual the week before Easter at the school rooms, Dagnall 267 loaves, Northall 179 loaves, Edlesborough 418 loaves.

Mr Sear mentioned that Gingers Charity was distributed at Christmas, 93 loaves at Edlesborough and 52 loaves at Northall and 19s-6d value in grocery. Mr W.Gray raised the question respecting grocery being given instead of bread. The Vicar mentioned he would write to the Charity Commissioners for their decision on the matter.

A discussion then arose respecting the repairs to Church Lane. The Vicar mentioned that the Wing Rural District Council have agreed with him to take over repairs of the path for a certain sum of money each year.

It was proposed by Mr W.Gray and seconded by Mr G.Smith sen. and agreed that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, to enquire whether the surplus money of the allotment rents which has been accumulating for several years and is in the hands of the Treasurer, can be spent to purchase manure for the allotment holders to put on their allotment gardens.

Annual Parish Meeting held March 19^th 1914

The Rev C.J.Palmer presided, there being present Messrs W.Short, T.W.Jarvis, W.Gray, G.Sear, L.S.Mallett, B.Gray and E.Janes, Clerk.

The statement of receipts and payments of the Parish Council, also Allotments and Charity accounts were presented by the Clerk and were unanimously approved.

The Clerk stated that the Randell's Charity Bread was distributed as usual the week before Easter at Dagnall 267 loaves, Northall 179 loaves and at Edlesborough 418 loaves.

Amount received from the Trustees of Town Lands Charity £10-7s-1d being one third of the income for one year, also interest on money invested £1-0s-1d, these amounts being paid to the Nursing Association.

Gingers Charity 1913, Expenditure - In bread £3-9s-2d (116 loaves)

Grocery £1-17s-0d

£5-6s-2d

A question respecting a piece of land as set out in the Inclosure Award, for the repair of Church Lane was again discussed and on the proposition of Mr W.Gray and seconded by Mr L.S.Mallett, it was agreed that the income for the repair of Church Lane be paid through the Parish Council, and that a copy of the resolution be sent to the District Council as it was considered a charity account.

A letter from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries was laid before the meeting dated April 13^th 1913 in reply to the question of spending the surplus rents to purchase manure.

Sir,

I am directed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to refer to your letter of the 3^rd inst. with respect to the application of surplus rents arising from the Edlesborough Field-Garden Allotments and I am to say that in the opinion of the Board, the expenditure by the Parish Council of the accumulated rents on manuring the allotments would not be a proper mode of spending the money.

Assistant Secretary

The attention of the Parish Council was again called to the bad condition of Summerleys path.

Annual Parish Meeting held March 9^th 1915

The Rev. C.J.Palmer, Chairman of the Parish Council, presided, there being present all the members of the Parish Council viz. Messrs J.Pratt, W.Gray, B.Gray, G.Sear, T.Jarvis, W.Short, F.Putman and J.Harris, with the following parishioners: Messrs L.S.Mallett, A.Sharratt, W.Heley, O.Saw, A.Rollings, J.Janes and the Clerk E.Janes.

The statement of receipts and payments of the Parish Council and the Allotments ad Charity accounts were presented by the Clerk, who also mentioned that the change in the distribution of Randell's Charity Bread to two distributions instead of one was greatly appreciated by the recipients. The number of loaves distributed were as in previous years at Edlesborough 418, Dagnall 276 and at Northall 179, making a total of 864 loaves.

The amounts received from the Church Estate and Parish Nurse Charity (formerly Town Lands Charity) from March 31^st 1913 to Sep 29^th 1914 were £14-1s-2d being one third of the income. Interest on the money invested £1-1s-8d made up the total of £15 -2s-10d and this amount is paid to the Parish Nurse Association.

The accounts of Ginger's Charity to December 1914 showed a balance in the bank of £6-16s-3d and interest £5-0s-4d, making a total of £11-16s-7d. The expenditure on 159 quartern loaves of bread which had been distributed to 104 houses amounted to £3-9s-8d and on 44 grocery orders to £2-18s-6d, leaving a balance in hand of £5-8s-5d.

Mr B.Gray asked the Chairman who supplied the grocery orders. The Chairman replied that they were supplied by one grocer in Edlesborough and one at Northall.

Mr W.Gray said he wished to renew his protest against groceries being given in the place of bread or any change being made in the administration of the Charities unless the matter was decided at the parish or parish council meeting.

Mr A.Rollings called the Parish Council's attention to the bad state of the allotment hedge by the Recreation Ground. The Chairman informed him that the matter would be considered at the Parish Council Meeting.

The following is a copy of the letter received from the Clerk to Wing Rural District Council, dated 16 April 1914, re Church Lane.

Dear Sir

I laid your letter before the above Council at their meeting on the 11^th inst. The Council do not quite understand what the Resolution means. It appears to suggest that the income should be collected by the Parish Council and paid over by them to the District Council who are liable for the repairs. The District Council do not see that any useful purpose would be served by their duplicating the work of collection.

Yours truly

C.W.B.Calcott

Annual Parish Meeting held March 28^th 1916

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting was held on March 28^th 1916 presided over by Mr B.Gray. There were also present Mr A.Janes, Mr T.W.Jarvis and the Clerk of the Parish Council, E.Janes.

The statement of receipts and payments of the Parish Council and the Allotments and Charity accounts were presented by the Clerk, who also mentioned that the Charity Bread etc was distributed as last year., which were all passed as satisfactory.

Being as so few in number attended the meeting on account of the snow storm, and no particular business to attend to, the Chairman declared the meeting closed.

Annual Parish Meeting held March 16^th 1917

Mr J.Pratt, Chairman of the Parish Council presided. There were present Messrs G.Sear, F.Putman, W.C.Norman, A.H.Kemp, B.Gray, L.S.Mallett, W.Gray, P.C.Hickman, E.Bearton, E.Rollings, F.Hing, A.Gray, W.Snoxell and E.Janes, Clerk.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Allotments and Charity accounts were presented by the Clerk and unanimously approved.

The two distributions of the Easter Bread is greatly appreciated by the recipients.

The total amounts (as received) for the Nurse Charity, is paid to the Treasurer.

Ginger's Charity £5-9s-11d, paid for bread £5-5s-0d, balance in hand 4s-11d.

On the proposition of Mr Mallet seconded by Mr W.Gray, it was agreed to buy War Certificates with the balance in hand of the Allotment accounts.

The question respecting repairs to Church Lane and the amount paid to Wing Rural District Council was again discussed. It appears according to the Parish Award that a piece of land containing 2a-1r-9p was awarded at the Inclosure in the year 1865 to the Vicar of Edlesborough subject to the repair of the Church Lane. The W.R.D Council agreed with the late Vicar (Rev C.J.Palmer) in the year 1911 to accept 30/- per year and take over the repairs. The Clerk was then instructed to enquire if any arrangements had been made with the present Vicar (Rev N.Dundas) and also whether income of the said land should or not be credited to Edlesborough to relieve the rates.

Assessment No. 243 in the valuation list.

The Chairman then brought before the meeting the question of what steps could be taken to try and get volunteers under the National Service scheme. After consideration it was agreed there was no surplus labour in the parish because many had been called up to join the army.

Annual Parish Meeting held March 7^th 1918

Mr J.Pratt, Chairman of the Parish Council presided. All the members of the Parish Council were present viz. Capt Kemp, Messrs W.Gray, G.Sear, L.S.Mallett, T.W.Jarvis, B.Gray, F.Putman, W.C.Norman. Parishioners present were:Messrs H.Archer, W.Heley, E.Bearton, A.Gray and E.Janes (Clerk).

The statement of Receipts and Payment of the Parish Council, Allotments and Charity accounts were presented by the Clerk and unanimously approved.

The two distributions of Randell's Charity Bread at Edlesborough Dagnall and Northall, total 864 loaves, were distributed at Easter, chiefly to the poor of the parish.

The amounts received for the Parish Nurse Charity is paid to the Treasurer.

The income from Ginger's Charity including balance £5 - 7s-6d

Distribution of bread 90 loaves Edlesboro' 50 Northall £4-19s-2d

Balance in hand 8s-4d

A letter received from the Assistant Secretary, Local Government Board, in answer to inquiry respecting investing the balance of Allotment rents, was read to the meeting which stated that it is not open to local authorities to invest in war savings certificates.

On the proposition of Mr W.Gray, seconded by Mr Sear, it was agreed for the Clerk to write to the Clerk of Wing Rural District Council for an official notification to the Parish Council be given of the 30/- paid by the Vicar of Edlesborough for the repairs of Church Lane.

Parish meeting for Election of Parish Councillors held in the School-room March 17^th 1919

Eighteen parishioners were present. Mr J.Pratt, Chairman of the Parish Council being nominated for election, called upon the meeting to appoint a Chairman. On the proposition of Mr Gray seconded by Mr Mallett, the Rev J.B.Knowles took the Chair. Nine nominations of candidates were handed to the Chairman and all declared valid, namely Messrs W.Gray, T.W.Jarvis, A.H.Kemp, W.Kempson, L.S.Mallett,W.C.Norman, J.Pratt, F.Putman and G.Sear. The number of councillors to be elected was nine and there being no poll demanded, the Chairman declared the nine candidates elected. The only change on the Council is that Mr W.Kempson supersedes Mr B.Gray.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting was then held. Mr Pratt resumed the Chair.

The Clerk gave a statement of the Parish Council, Allotments and Charities Income and Expenditure for the past year.

The Allotments accounts showed a balance in hand of £36-11s-4d and one years rents £18-16s-5d.

The Parish Nurse Charity balance in the Bank £8-14s-2d, Nurse Association Reserve Fund £3-10s-7d.

Gingers Charity years income £4-19s-10½d distributed in bread, 91 loaves at Edlesborough and 50 loaves at Northall leaving a balance in hand of 10s/-.

The two distributions of Randell's Charity bread at Edlesborough, Dagnall and Northall, total 864 loaves were distributed at Easter chiefly to the poor of the Parish.

On the proposition of Mr Gray, seconded by Rev J.B.Knowles, it was agreed that the Charity Commissioners be asked whether in the absence of a Parish Nurse regularly appointed, it be permissible to apply the income from the nursing charity to necessitous cases of the sick poor requiring the services of a nurse.

Mr W.Gray moved the following resolution which was seconded by Mr W.Kempson and agreed: "That this Parish Meeting of Parishioners of Edlesborough assembled on March 17^th 1919 request that a Public Inquiry by the Charity Commissioners be made, respecting the Church Lane Charity, the Wing Rural District Council having made an alteration in the administration without consulting the Parish or the Charity Commissioners, and that the Clerk of the Parish Meeting be instructed to enclose a copy of the Charity as contained in the Parish Award with all particulars therein and also that a copy of the resolution be sent to Wing Rural District Council.

On the proposition of Mr Gray seconded by Capt Kemp, it was agreed to call a Public Meeting to consider the question of erecting a memorial in remembrance of those who have fallen in the War from the Parish including Northall and Dagnall.

Parish Meeting held May 21^st 1919

This meeting was call to consider the question of a War Memorial.

The Chairman of the Parish Council (Mr F.Putman) presided and a large number of parishioners was present. The Vicar read a letter received from Lord Brownlow stating that he was in favour of a war memorial for each parish. On the motion of Mr Gray seconded by the Vicar, the meeting voted in favour of a war memorial and it was agreed that a committee of 13 be appointed jointly, 5 for Edlesborough, 4 for Northall and 4 for Dagnall, with power to add to their number.

Committee appointed: Rev W.C.Perry, Messrs L.S.Mallett, W.Gray, W.Heley, A.Gray, J.Pratt, G.Sear, F.Pratt, T.Goodson, F.Putman, W.C.Norman, W.Ashby and Rev J.B.Knowles. The Clerk to inform the Committee of the next meeting.

A letter received from the Charity Commissioners respecting the Church Lane Charity was laid before the meeting and it was agreed on the proposition of Mr Mallett, seconded by Mr Kemp, to send reply to same as drafted by Mr W.Gray

A letter respecting the Parish Nurse Charity was also laid before the meeting and it was agreed on the proposition of Mr Pratt, seconded by Mr Jarvis, for the newly appointed Trustees to formulate a scheme for the income to applied to necessitious cases.

The question of providing new houses for the working classes in the Parish was then considered. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed on the proposition of Mr Mallett, seconded by Mr Heley, that ten new houses are needed in the parish and that notices be published asking for applications for same to be sent to the Clerk of the Parish Council by 29^th May instant. It was also agreed for three delegates namely Mr L.S.Mallett, Edlesborough, Mr F.Putman, Dagnall and Mr G.Sear, Northall, meet the Housing Commissioner at the District Council's next meeting in the Board Room, Leighton Buzzard on May 30^th instant at 12 o'clock.

Annual Parish meeting held March 23^rd 1920

Mr F.Putman Chairman of the Parish Council presided. There were present Capt. Kemp, Messrs W.C.Norman, W.Gray, L.S.Mallett, W.Kempson, W.Heley and E.Bearton with the Clerk E.Janes.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council and Allotments were presented by the Clerk and unanimously approved. The two distributions of Randell's Charity Bread at Edlesborough, Dagnall and Northall, total 864 loaves, were made at Easter. The bread was baked by Mr C.Roberts, Edlesborough, Mr J.Gadsden, Dagnall and Mr H.Vasey, Northall and was much appreciated.

The Trustees of the Parish Nurse Charity, namely Messrs G.Sear and W.Gray did not present any accounts to the meeting. Mr Gray mentioned that a trustees meeting had not been held.

The Trustees of Ginger's Charity namely Mr L.S.Mallett and Capt. Kemp stated that 90 loaves of bread were given away at Edlesborough and 50 at Northall at Christmas. The cost of the same was £5-0s-0d.

It was then proposed by Mr Mallet, seconded by Capt. Kemp and agreed that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Charity Commissioners asking for a reply to the letter sent on May 23^rd 1919 respecting a Public Enquiry by the Charity Commissioners as to the administration of the income of a piece of land awarded for the repair of Church Lane.

Annual Parish Meeting held March 31^st 1921

Mr T.W.Jarvis, Chairman of the Parish Council presided. There were also present Messrs J.Pratt, W.Gray and W.Kempson with the Clerk E.Janes.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council and Allotments were presented by the Clerk and on being put to the meeting were passed as satisfactory.

The distributions of Randell's Charity Bread were made as last year and the same bakers supplied the bread.

Mr W.Gray gave a statement of the Parish Nurse Charity which showed a balance in hand of £39-13s-3d.

The accounts of Ginger's Charity were not presented.

The following is a copy of letter received from the Charity Commissioners dated 13^th April 1920.

Re Church Lane Charity Land

Sir,

I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letterof the 25^th Ultimo and to say that the Commissioners are awaiting a reply from the Reverend W.C.Perry to a communication which was addressed to him in this matter. A reminder has been sent to Mr Perry and upon hearing from him the Commissioners hope to be in a position to consider the points raised in your previous letter

It was then agreed to wait for the Vicar to reply

On the proposition of W.Pratt, seconded by Mr Kempson, it was agreed for the two Trustees of the Nurse Charity, viz. Messrs W.Gray and G.Sear to proceed with the new scheme as agreed to at a meeting held on the 21^st day of May 1919.

Parish Meeting for Election of Parish Councillors held in the School-room on Monday March 13^th 1922

Fifteen parishioners were present. Mr H.Archer was unanimously appointed Chairman for the occasion.

Ten nominations of Candidates for Election were handed to the Chairman and all declared valid. The number of Parish Councillors to be elected were nine. The result of the voting by show of hands were:

Belsham, Richard Ernest 12 Votes

Fountain, Alfred J.Henry 11 "

Gray, Walter 11 "

Kemp, Albert Henry 11 "

Kempson, William 9 "

Mallett, Lionel Sear 11 "

Norman, William Charles 13 "

Pratt, John 12 "

Putman, Fred 13 "

Sear, George 12 "

Mr Kempson not elected. No poll being demanded, the Chairman declared the nine elected. A vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr Archer for presiding.

The meeting being also the Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting, the Clerk gave a statement of the Income and Expenditure of the Parish Council and Allotments. The Charity accounts were presented by the Trustees.

Mr Gray presented the accounts of the Nurse Charity and explained the working of the new scheme and that the next appointment of a Trustee would be in two years from the date of the scheme. On the proposition of Mr Mallet, seconded by Mr Putman, the Clerk, E.Janes, was appointed to audit the Nurse Charity accounts.

Mr Mallett mentioned that Ginger's Charity was distributed in bread at Christmas as usual at Edlesborough and Northall to the value of five pounds. It was then proposed by Mr Gray and seconded by Mr Sear and agreed that the Trustees of Ginger's Charity produce the accounts at the Annual Meeting as per Local Government Act.

Randell's Charity consisting of 864 loaves of bread were distributed as usual.

The Countess of Bridgewater's Charities Scheme was then laid before the meeting and discussed. It was then proposed by Mr Mallett and seconded by Mr Pratt and agreed for the Clerk to write to the Board of Education, Whitehall, London S.W.1 and enquire who are the trustees and what is the method of administration of the charity and who receives the income for Edlesborough and Northall shares allotted 25.

It was proposed by Mr Mallett, seconded by Mr Sear and agreed for the Clerk to write to the Charity Commissioners and enquire if anything further had been done with regard to the income of land awarded for the repair of Church Lane. The last letter received respecting the question was dated 13^th April 1920. It was also agreed on the proposition of Mr Gray and seconded by Mr Mallet, for the Clerk to write to the Clerk of Wing Rural District Council and enquire if the amount payable from the income of the land awarded for the repair of Church Lane has been paid to the Council for the last two years.

Annual Parish Meeting held March 21^st 1923

There were present: Capt. Kemp, Messrs G.Sear. R.Belsham, L.S.Mallett, W.Gray, W.Heley, E.Bearton and E.Janes, Clerk. Mr Sear, Chairman of the Parish Council presided.

The Clerk gave a statement of the Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Allotment Wardens, Randell's Charity and Ginger's Charity.

Mr Gray presented the accounts of the Nurse Charity and the particulars relating to the Countess of Bridgewater's Foundation and all were passed as satisfactory.

It was proposed by Mr Mallett and seconded by Mr Gray and agreed that a copy of the Bridgewater Trust Scheme be handed over to the School Managers.

On the proposition of Mr Gray, seconded by Capt. Kemp, it was agreed for the Clerk to be instructed to write to Wing Rural District Council requesting that the 30s/- which is paid annually from the Vicar's Path Charity be credited to Edlesborough Parish and not the W.R.D.Council.

Copy of letter received from Charity Commission, Ryder Sreet., St. Jame's London, April 5^th 1922.

Vicar's Allotment

Sir,

With reference to your letter of the 17^th Ultimo, I am to state that it appears from the information in the possession of the Commissioners that the above-mentioned allotment was made to the Vicar subject only to the liability of keeping in repair the footpath leading from the Vicarage to the Church. The Commissioners are informed that an arrangement has been made with the Rural District Council whereby, in consideration of an annual payment of 30s/- by the Vicar, the Council undertake to keep the footpath in repair. It appears to be competent for the Vicar to enter into such an arrangement and in the circumstances the Commissioners do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by further inquiry into the matter.

Annual Parish Meeting held March 28^th 1924

Mr L.S.Mallett, Chairman of the Parish Council presided. Other members of the Council present were: Messrs W.Gray, J.Pratt, G.Sear, R.K.Purser and W.C.Norman, with the Clerk, E.Janes. No other parishioners attended the meeting.

The Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Allotment Wardens and the Charity Trustees for the past year were read to the meeting.

The allotment expenses amounted to £27-19s-1d and the income was £24-14s-11d showing a deficiency on the year of £3-4s-2d.

The Nurse Charity showed a balance in hand of £24=10s-9d. The help from the fund to cases in the time of need was said to be greatly appreciated.

Ginger's Charity. The income including balance in hand from last year £6-8s-5d. Expenditure for bread at Christmas 1923 £5-6s-8d. Balance £1-1s-9d.

It was mentioned that Randell's Charity Bread which consisted of 864 loaves was distributed at Easter as usual by the Committee appointed.

The following is the copy of the reply to a letter sent to Wing District Council as agreed at the meeting held on Mrch 21^st 1923.

Dear Sir 5^th April 1923

Re Chuch Lane

Your letter of the 22^nd Ulto. was laid before the above Council at their last meeting and I am directed to inform you that it has been decided that no change can be made in the crediting of the 30s/- received from the Vicar of Edlesborough in respect of the repair of the footpath. Yours truly

M.C.Clifford

To E.Janes

Parish Meeting for the Election of Parish Councillors held in the School-room on Monday March 16^th 1925

Mr Wm.Heley was unanimously appointed Chairman for the occasion. Ten nominations fo candidates for election were handed to the Chairman and all declared valid. The number of parish councillors to be elected were nine and the result of the voting by show of hand were:

Bearton, Ezra 0

Gray, Walter 8

Kempson, William 8

Mallett, Lionel Sear 7

Norman, Wm. Chas. 7

Pratt, John 7

Purser, R.K. 7

Putman, Fred 7

Sear, George 7

Simmons, Hugh 7

Mr Bearton not elected. No poll being demanded, the Chairman declared the nine duly elected. A vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr Heley for presiding.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting was then held. Mr L.S.Mallett, Chairman of the Parish Council, resumed the chair.

The Clerk gave a statement of the Income and Expenditure of the Parish Council and Allotments. The Charity accounts were presented by the Trustees.

Randell's Bread Charity was distributed as usual.

Ginger's Charity balance £1-8s-3d.

The Nurse Charity balance £21-12s-11d. Petty Cash balance £6-5s-1½d

It was mentioned that the recipients of the above charities were very grateful and appreciated the gift.

All the accounts were then passed as satisfactory.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 18^th 1926

Mr Geo. Sear was voted to the Chair. These were also present: Messrs L.S.Mallett, R.K.Purser, H.Simmons, W.Kempson, W.C.Norman and W.Heley with the Clerk, E.Janes.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council and Allotments were presented by the Clerk and the Charity accounts by the Trustees, which were all approved.

Ginger's Charity income £6-4s-11d, expenditure £5-6s-6d, balance 18s/5d.

Parish Nurse Charity income, £12-5s-1½d, expenditure £10-3s-8½d, balance £2-1s-5d and £28-0s-11d.

Randell's Charity 864 loaves of bread given away at Easter and paid for from Ashridge Estate.

On the proposition of Mr Heley, seconded by Mr Simmons, it was agreed that the Clerk be requested to write asking for the District Council to have the roads and paths tarred near Edlesborough Green as there is a lot of traffic and buses continually causing the dust to get into the houses which is very inconvenient and a nuisance.

After a short discussion respecting the repairs of a footpath at Dagnall, the Chairman declared the meeting closed.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 23^rd 1927

Mr W.Kempson, Chairman of the Parish Council, presided. Other members of the Council present were: Messrs L.S.Mallett, W.Gray, H.Simmons, R.K.Purser, G.Sear, with the Clerk, E.Janes.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Allotment Wardens and Charity Trustees for the past year were read to the meeting.

The allotments showed a deficiency of £1-4s-9d, several gardens at Northall being unlet.

Mr Gray presented the Nurse Charity accounts which showed a balance of £30-12s-pd and petty cash balance of £7-7s-6d.

Ginger's Charity accounts were not presented and it was agreed to receive them at the next meeting of the Council.

Randell's Bread Charity was distributed as usual, 864 quartern loaves at Eastertide by the committee appointed for same.

On the proposition of Mr Gray, seconded by Mr Sear, the accounts were passed as satisfactory.

Mr Gray proposed and Mr Sear seconded, that the Wing Rural District Council be asked to build some new houses at Edlesborough. Messrs Gray, Sear and Simmons voted for and none voted against the resolution. The Chairman declared it carried and the Clerk was requested to forward the application to said Council and it was also agreed for the Clerk to write and call the Surveyor's attention to the bad condition of the road between the Vicarage and Cox's Close.

A letter received from Mr W.G.Dean of Dagnall respecting the Allotment Gardens hedge and a path leading into the Studham Road, requesting the Parish Council to repair same. The members from Dagnall not being present, nothing further was done in the matter.

The Chairman then declared the meeting closed as a Parish Council meeting was then to follow.

Parish Meeting for the Election of Parish Councillors held in the School-room on Monday March 12^th 1928

Nine parishioners were present. On the proposition of Mr Mallett, seconded by Mr Norman, Mr Heley was unanimously appointed Chairman for the occasion.

Eight nominations of candidates for election were handed to the Chairman and all declared valid, namely Gray, Walter; Kempson, William; Mallett, Lionel Sear; Norman, William Charles; Purser Richard K.; Putman, Fred; Sear, George; Simmons, Hugh.

By an order received from Bucks County Council: "where the population of the Parish according to the last census for the time being is less than 1,000 only seven councillors to be elected", whereas at the last election nine were elected. Mr R.K.Purser withdrew his candidature. No poll being demanded, the Chairman declared the seven candidates duly elected. A vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr Heley for presiding.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting was then held. Mr W.Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council resumed the Chair.

The Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Allotment Wardens and Charity Trustees for the past year were presented and read to the meeting.

The Allotment expenses amounted to £22-16s-5d and income was £21-14s-8d.

Randell's Bread Charity was distributed as usual at Eastertide by the committee appointed for the same. Total 864 qrn. loaves, 414 at Edlesborough, 260 at Dagnall and 190 at Northall.

The Nurse Charity showed a balance of £22-1s-9d in hand and petty cash account £4-9s-0d.

Ginger's Charity income including balance in hand £6-0s-1d. Payment to Mr H.Vasey for bread distributed £5-5s-0d.

On the proposition of Mr Sear, seconded by Mr Norman, all the accounts were passed as satisfactory.

Mr F.S.Green of Dagnall mentioned that he thought it necessary the PC Dickens should be connected up with the telephone at his residence and moved a resolution which was seconded by Mr Norman and agreed that the Clerk write to the Superintendent of Police at Linslade asking him to give his attention to the matter.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 13^th 1929

Present Messrs W.Gray, G.Sear, W.Kempson, H.Simmons, W.Heley and E.Janes, Clerk. Mr W.Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council presided.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Allotment Wardens and Charity Trustees for the past year were read to the meeting.

The Allotments showed a balance of £4-2s-6d.

Mr Gray presented the Nurse Charity accounts which showed a balance in hand of £11-11s-10d.

Ginger's Charity accounts were not presented and it was agreed on the proposition of Mr Gray, seconded by Mr Sear, for the Clerk to ask the Vicar for some and present at the next meeting of the Parish Council.

Randell's Bread Charity (864 qrn loaves) were distributed at Eastertide as usual by the committee appointed for same.

On the proposition of MrSear, seconded by Mr Kempson, the accounts were passed as satisfactory.

It was proposed by Mr Kempson, seconded by Mr Simmons, and agreed for the Clerk to interview Mr Mallett with regard to the condition of the paths leading through the gates at the south and north corners of the Recreation Ground.

It was agreed on the proposition of Mr Heley, seconded by Mr Simmons, to ask permission of the Trustees of Ashtons Charity for the Parish Council to have seats fixed on the Recreation Ground.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 20^th 1930

Mr W.Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council, presided. Twenty two parishioners present including sixteen from Dagnall.

The statements of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Allotment Wardens and Charity Trustees for the past year were read to the meeting. The Allotment accounts showed a balance of £33-14s-8d, including one year's rent paid in advance, £25-5s-10d. Randell's Charity Bread, 864 qrn loaves, was distributed (as usual) at Eastertide by a committee appointed by the Parish Council. Mr W.Gray presented the Nurse Charity accounts which showed a balance in hand, £16-17s-11d. No accounts were presented for Ginger's Charity. Mr Jarvis proposed and Mr Norman seconded, that all the above mentioned accounts be passed as satisfactory, carried unanimously.

Proposed by Mr Dean, seconded by Mr Norman, that new gates be provided for the Dagnall Allotments, carried unanimously. Attention was called to the dangerous path through Mr Munn's yard.

Mr Green drew attention to the danger to children respecting the narrow road leading from his house towards Edlesborough and suggested a footpath be made on the side of the road.

Mr Jarvis drew attention to the path being level with the road and the danger to pedestrians thereby, opposite the Edlesborough Green Allotments, near the "Prince of Wales." The Clerk was instructed to write to the Surveyors calling their attention to the matter.

The question of a Recreation Ground for the Hamlet of Dagnall was laid before the meeting and a lengthy discussion ensued, respecting the enclosure of the Hill which is said had been open to the public and had been used as such. The Parish Award was consulted and the Chairman said apparently there were no common rights left. After more discussion a committee consisting of Mr Gray, Mr Nelson, Mr F.Green and Mr F.Butler, with the Clerk (E.Janes) was appointed to enquire and report on the public rights that remain in the hamlet of Dagnall and with regard to providing a recreation ground. The Chairman announced that if they could find four acres of suitable ground at £10 an acre, he would give it to them.

The question of providing new houses in the village was discussed. It was then unanimously agreed on the proposition of Mr Thame, seconded by Mr Bearton, that the District Council be asked to build six houses at Edlesborough and a similar number at Dagnall for the working classes.

The above mentioned committee met at the residence of Mr W.Gray (the Chairman) and after inspecting the Inclosure Award and Map, it was found with regard to the questions which have arisen as to the restriction upon alleged rights of access to a hill and to rights of passage over reputed paths. The proposals in regard to the land bought by the Zoological Society at Dagnall received the sanction of Parliament and cannot now be questioned in any way.

The question of providing a recreation ground at Dagnall was considerd and it was agreed that Mr Green be appointed Deputy, to make further enquiries as to the purchase of a suitable piece of land.

Parish Meeting held April 24^th 1930, specially convened to further consider the position with regard to providing new houses for the working classes at Edlesborough, Dagnall and Northall

Mr W.Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council presided, there being about 50 present, with the Clerk (E.Janes). The Chairman explained that some time ago the District Council acquired housing sites in the parish, but in view of the high cost of building at the time, which would have made it impossible to let houses at a rent the tenants could afford to pay, the District Council afterwards sold the sites and since then nothing has been done.

The following questions were then put to the meeting:

1^st Has the housing position in Edlesborough altered since 1919.

2^nd Are you satisfied that 16 tenants of the Working Class who are Parishioners would be willing to take the houses at an exclusive rent of from 5/- to 6/- weekly.

3^rd Are the houses required :

• To avoid overcrowding.
• To meet increase in population.
• To replace houses which are considered below a reasonable standard.

The above questions were then voted upon by show of hands and all declared carried in favour of same. Further questions with regard to sites were considered and several suggested. Among them was land owned by Mr Ashby in Ringshall Road, Dagnall, Ashtons Charity land, Church Lane, Edlesborough and land at Northall near the road leading to Eaton Bray.

It was then suggested that applications for new houses be sent to the Clerk who would then forward same to Wing Rural District Council.

The question of procuring a Fire Brigade in case of a fire occurring in the parish was raised by Mr Dickens. The Chairman explained that the matter had been previously gone into and the particulars relating to same are entered in the Parish Council Minute Book.

Mr Cluse then raised the question of providing a scavenger for the parish to collect refuse, such as old tins, bottles, etc etc and a suitable dumping place for them. On being put to the meeting it was agreed that the Clerk write to W.R.D.C asking them to make arrangements for same.

Parish Meeting for Election of Parish Councillors held in the School-room Edlesborough on Monday March 9^th 1931

About 50 parishioners present. Mr W.Linnell was appointed Chairman for the occasion.

Twelve nominations of candidates for election were handed to the Chairman and all declared valid. The number of Parish Councillors to be elected were seven. The result of voting by show of hands was:

Cluse, Robert Ernest 25

Gray, Walter 40

Groombridge-Harvey, Sidney John 16

Kempson, William 13

Lunnon, James 22

Norman, William Charles 23

Pratt, John junr 27

Putman, Fred 16

Roper, George Edward 10

Simmons, Hugh 35

Thame, Fred 36

Warner, Frank 21

Messrs Groombridge-Harvey, W.Kempson, F.Putman. G.E.Roper, and F.Warner not elected. No poll being demanded, the Chairman declared the seven elected namely Messrs Cluse, Gray, Lunnon, Norman, Pratt, Simmons & Thame. A vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr Linnell for presiding.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting was then held. W.Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council then took the Chair and called upon the Clerk to read the minutes of the previous meeting and the accounts of the Parish Council for the past year, which showed a balance in hand of £31-18s-0d including one years allotment rents paid in advance.

Randells Charity Bread as supplied by Mr Wm.Ashby of Dagnall "nine sacks of flour @ 280lbs, 92 loaves of 4lb each for each sack, 828 qrn loaves." One half given away before Easter and the others a fortnight later at Edlesborough, Dagnall and Northall.

The Nurse Charity showed a balance in hand of £17-4s-9d, the receipts being £22-8s-9d including last years balance in hand. Expenses £5-4s-0d.

Gingers Charity 156 qrn loaves of bread given among 115 recipients of whom 79 resided in Edlesborough and 36 in Northall. The cost for the same was £4-11s-0d leaving a small balance at the Bank, in hand.

The above accounts were all passed as satisfactory.

The Chairman then asked if those present had any matter they wished to bring before the meeting, they could do so now.

Mr Cluse then asked if anything had been done with regard to providing a scavenger or scheme for the parish to collect refuse and a suitable dumping place for same. On the proposition of Mr Cluse, seconded by Mr Roper, the Clerk was requested to write to W.R.D.C. again, calling their attention to the matter. 17 for, 11 against.

Mr Green asked if there is a possibility of having electric light at Dagnall. The Chairman replied that if a certain number of persons made application for it, no doubt it would be supplied.

The Vicar (Rev W.G.Cruft) asked if there is a possibility of having the electric lights on the main roads in the village. The Chairman replied that the Lighting Act would have to be adopted first.

The question of the road to the Whipsnade Zoo was again discussed and it was found that the matter with regard to the land bought by the Zoological Society at Dagnall received the sanction of Parliament and cannot now be questioned in any way.

The recreation ground question was again discussed and on the proposition of the Vicar, seconded by Mr Thame, it was agreed to take further steps towards providing a recreation ground for Dagnall. Mr Groombridge-Harvey mentioned that probably the National Playing Field Association might help in the matter.

Mr Thame said he should endeavour to get a Hall for meeting in at Dagnall. Applause.

Mr Dean asked if some repairs could be done to the path by his house leading by the Gardens to Studham Road. He was informed that probably the Parish Council would give their attention to it. Also the repairs to the hedge in due course.

As this concluded the business the Chairman declared the meeting closed.

Parish Meeting held June 10^th 1931 to consider the question of a Scavenging Scheme for the Parish

About 50 parishioners were present and the Clerk of the W.R.D.C.(Mr M.C.Clifford), also the Surveyor (Mr H.A.Rolls). Mr W.Gray took the Chair and explained why the meeting was called. After a lengthy discussion the following resolutions were submitted to the meeting.

Proposed by Mr J.Lunnon, seconded by Mr W.Linnell, that enquiries be made as to the cost for a scavenger to collect and clear away refuse in the Parish. 16 voted for and 22 against. The proposition lost by 6 votes.

Proposed by Mr G.Sear and seconded by Mr F.S.Green, that no scavenger scheme should be recommended. 24 voted for and 13 against. The proposition carried by 11 votes.

Proposed by Mr J.Lunnon and seconded by Mr R.E.Cluse, that ways and means be considered for the removal and disposal of night soil. 14 voted for and 24 against. The proposition lost by 10 votes.

Annual Parish Meeting held March 9^th 1932

Mr W.Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council, presided. About thirty Local Government Electors present.

The Clerk (E.Janes) gave a statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council and the Charities for the last year. The Parish Council accounts showed a balance in hand of £38-9s-7d including one year's rents for the Garden Allotments paid in advance.

Randell's Bread Charity of £21-8s-0d annual income was distributed at Easter. 856 4lb loaves (in halves) to the inhabitants of Edlesborough, Northall and Dagnall.

Gingers Charity Bread distributed at Christmas to 129 recipients at Edlesborough and Northall. Paid for bread £4-11s-3d leaving a balance in hand £1-13s-7d,

The Nurse Charity accounts showed a balance in hand of £20-4s-5d.

The accounts were all passed as satisfactory.

Mr Lunnon then reported on the position reflecting providing a recreation ground for Dagnall. It was agreed to hold a meeting at Dagnall to further discuss the matter.

Mr Green proposed and Mr Clark seconded and it was agreed that application be made to the Post Office authorities for a public telephone call office at Edlesborough and Dagnall and that more privacy be made at the Post Office in the Village for users of the telephone.

It was proposed by Mr Groombridge-Harvey and seconded by Mr Cluse and agreed that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Branch Manager at Luton of the National Bus Company asking if they would use the roads near the Memorial hall for their turning point of the buses instead of the Axe & Compass premises to prevent damaging the edge of the footpath by the road side.

On the proposition of Mr Cluse, seconded by Mr Dickens, it was agreed for the Clerk to write calling the Surveyors of Wing and Eaton Bray Rural District Councils attention to the dangerous condition of the footbridge over the boundary stream at Between Mills. The cost is divided between the two District Councils.

Dagnall Parish Meeting held 29^th April 1932 in the Council School, to consider a proposal to purchase a recreation ground at Dagnall

Mr Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council, presided. About forty parishioners present.

A letter was read from the National Playing Fields Association, explaining the necessary procedure. Mr J.Lunnon, who had made enquiries for a recreation ground stated that a piece of land had been offered by Mr Ashby at £80 per acre. Also he had enquired of Mr Fisher "through Messrs Brown & Co the agents" respecting part of a meadow occupied by Mr Scott, but had not yet received a satisfactory reply. After a lengthy discussion it was proposed by Mr Downes, seconded by Mr Thorne and agreed that a committee be formed to proceed with the matter. The following were unanimously appointed: Messrs E.Pratt, J.T.Downes, A.Rogers and Mr Nnelson and Mr Scott, with power to add others if necessary. Mr Scott to be the convener.

The Chairman then declared the meeting closed.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 9^th 1933

Mr Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council, presided and members of the Council present were Messrs W.Norman, F.Thame, R.E.Cluse, J.Lunnon, H.Simmons, J.Pratt and about ten Local Government electors with the Clerk, E.Janes.

The Clerk presented statements of receipts and payments of the Parish Council, the Allotment Wardens and the Charity accounts.

Randell's Bread Charity provided 856 loaves for which £21-8s-0d was paid by Mr Ashby of Dagnall. Gingers Bread Charity distributed at Christmas cost £4-18s-11d and Chennell's Bread Charity cost £2-9s-10d. The Nurse Fund showed a credit balance of £17-9s-4d. All the accounts were passed as satisfactory.

It was decided to ask the Post Office Authorities to install a light in the telephone kiosk. It was agreed on the proposition of Mr Dickens, seconded by Mr Simmons, that a request be sent to the District Manager, Post Office Telephones, Reading, to erect a telephone kiosk in some suitable place at Dagnall.

The Clerk was asked to call the County Surveyor's attention again to the brick wall blind corner at the top of Church Lane, to the triangle in the centre of the roads near the Memorial Hall, and to the condition of the path at Dagnall from the cross roads to the council houses, and also to the trees overhanging the road at Church Hill.

It was agreed on the proposition of Mr Cluse, seconded by Mr Clark, that application be made to the Rural Council for the erection of eight more council houses at Edlesborough, eight at Dagnall and four at Northall.

Mr Dickens proposed and Mr Clark seconded and it was agreed that a Parish Meeting be called to consider the question of adopting the Lighting Act.

The Clerk was requested to write to Mrs Scott and ask if anything further had been done with regard to providing a recreation ground at Dagnall in accordance with the meeting held on the 27^th April last at the School-room Dagnall.

Parish Meeting held at the School-room Edlesborough, April 5^th 1933 to consider the question of adopting the Lighting Act for the Parish

Mr W.Gray (Chairman of the Parish Council) presided, there were about thirty present.

The Chairman explained that it would be necessary to secure a two thirds majority of the Local Government electors present before the Lighting Act could be adopted.

After a lengthy discussion it was proposed by Mr F.Dickens, that the Parish of Edlesborough including the hamlets of Northall and Dagnall, be equipped with electric street lighting. Mr Clark seconded the proposition.

Mr Sear then proposed an amendment that the meeting did not adopt the Lighting Act. Mr Groombridge-Harvey seconded Mr Sears' amendment.

The amendment was then put to the vote. Six voted for it and twelve against and the two thirds majority not obtained.

The resolution in favour of adopting the Lighting Act was then put. Twelve voted for and seven against, but there was not a majority of two thirds. It was then agreed that the matter be further considered in September.

Parish Meeting held at the School-room Edlesborough, Sep 28^th 1933 to further consider the question of adopting the Lighting Act for the Parish

Mr W.Gray (Chairman of the Parish Council) presided. All the Parish Councillors were present and about 50 or 60 Local Government Electors.

The Chairman said the meeting had been called to further consider the adoption of the Lighting Act. They had received a letter from the Luton Corporation Electricity Engineer suggesting that the Council should adopt a scheme of street lighting in which brackets could be fixed to the wooden line poles belonging to the Corporation. The cost of supplying and fixing such brackets with lamp time switch and fuse complete would be £5-15s-0d each. Three alternative schemes were given, scheme A, B & C, each based on the hours of lighting between dusk and 10.30pm each day between Sep 1^st and April 15^th that is for the winter months.

After a lengthy discussion on the matter, the following resolution was made. It was proposed by Mr G.Sear that the meeting should not adopt the Lighting Act, seconded by Mr H.Munn and it was carried by forty three votes against four.

The Chairman then declared the meeting closed.

Parish Meeting for Election of Parish Councillors held in the School-room Edlesborough, on Monday March 5^th 1934

About 59 Parishioners present.

Mr N.Linnell was appointed Chairman for the occasion. Ten nominations of candidates for election were handed to the Chairman and all declared valid.

The number of Parish Councillors to be elected is seven.

The result of the voting by show of hands were:

Cluse, Robert Ernest 17

Gray, Walter 38

Lunnon, James 11

Norman, William Charles 41

Pratt, John junr. 45

Rogers, Vernon William 40

Sear, George 39

Sear, Harry 41

Thame, Fred 48

Warner, Frank 21

Messrs Cluse, Lunnon and Warner, not elected. No poll being demanded, the Chairman declared the seven elected, namely Messrs Gray, Norman, Pratt, Rogers, G.Sear, H.Sear and F.Thame. A vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr Linnell for presiding.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting was then held. Mr W.Gray, Chairman of the Parish Council took the chair and called upon the Clerk to read the minutes of previous meetings, and the accounts of the Parish Council for the past year which showed a balance in hand of £41-11s-11d including one year's Allotment Garden rents of £23-15s-6d paid in advance.

Randell's Charity Bread to the value of £21-8s-0d supplied by Mr W.Ashby of Dagnall, one half given away before Easter, and the other half a fortnight later at Edlesborough, Dagnall and Northall by a committee appointed by the Parish Council.

The Charity Nurse fund showed a credit balance of £14-15s-7d and petty cash account £2-5s-11d, total £17-1s-6d.

Gingers Charity. Receipts £5-3s-4d. Expenditure for bread £5-0s-7½d.

All the accounts were passed as satisfactory.

Various resolutions were then made and discussed.

The Vicar (Mr Burd) proposed and Mr A.Thorne of Dagnall seconded and it was agreed that application be made for the installation of electric light for the Edlesborough and Dagnall schools, and on the proposition of the Vicar, seconded by Mr Nye, it was agreed to ask the County Council to consider afresh the proposal of providing drinking water at Edlesborough School.

The question arose again with regard to the collection of house refuse such as old tins and bottles for the whole parish. It was then agreed on the proposition of Mr H.Sear, seconded by Mr F.Thame, that a letter be sent to the Wing Rural District Council asking them to give the matter their consideration.

On the proposition of Mr E.Rollings, seconded by Mr Groombridge-Harvey, it was agreed that the County Council's attention be called to the danger to pedestrians using the road at Church Hill and request that a path be made by the bank at the side of the road by the cottages and continue towards Sparrow Hall Farm.

It was proposed by Mr Groombridge-Harvey and seconded by the Vicar and agreed that the County Council be asked to provide footpaths by the road sides at Dagnall. Mr Cutler proposed and Mr Thame seconded that a path be made from Mr Green's Garage to the Cross Roads and the path continued from the council houses to the Post Office and at Pound Bank near the Pond to Mr W.C.Norman's house, Dunstable Road, which was agreed to, and that the County Council's attention again be called to the blind corner at Church End, Edlesborough.

It was then proposed by Mr F.Warner and seconded by Mr G.Bates and agreed that application be made to the Electrical Engineers, Luton, to have the white staves on the electric poles one foot higher by the side of the paths leading from Eaton Bray to Edlesborough Church, and that the staves be painted white.

The question of Public Footways was referred to the Parish Council for consideration at their next meeting.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held at the School-room, Edlesborough, March 14^th 1935

Present Messrs J.Pratt junr., G.Sear, F.Thame, V.Rogers, W.Gray, S.J.Groombridge-Harvey, A.Gray, E.Rollings, F.Bates, N.J.Wright, H.Gurney, Mrs Nelson, Miss Gray and about thirty more parishioner. Mr J.Pratt, Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, presided.

The statements of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Allotment Wardens and Charity Trustees for the past year were presented to the meeting.

The Nurse Charity showed a balance in hand of £14-15s-7d.

Randell's Bread Charity to the value of £21-8s-0d supplied by Mr Ashby of Dagnall was distributed as usual.

The Vicar being absent, Gingers Charity was not presented.

All the accounts were passed as satisfactory.

It was agreed on the proposition of Mr E.Rollings, seconded by Mr Groombridge-Harvey, that the County Surveyor's attention be called again to the necessity of a footpath being constructed by the side of the road at Church Hill, Edlesborough, to Sparrow Hall as it is considered dangerous to pedestrians.

Mr Dickens proposed and Mr E.Rolloings seconded and it was agreed to write again to the District Manager of Post Office telephones respecting providing a light in the kiosk at Edlesborough, as it is now considered necessary that one should be there.

The next business before the meeting was to decide what should be done to celebrate the King's Silver Jubilee on May 6^th, and it was unanimously agreed to arrange celebrations. Representatives from Dagnall and Northall stated that those hamlets wished to hold separate celebrations, and Edlesborough parishioners therefore proceeded to make their own arrangements. Mr Groombridge-Harvey's offer to allow the celebrations to take place in the grounds known as The Park at Manor Farm, was thankfully accepted. Ways and means of raising funds were next discussed . A twopenny rate was suggested, but was turned down and it was finally decided to raise the necessary money by voluntary subscriptions. A committee of ladies and gentlemen was formed consisting of Mr J.Pratt junr. as Chairman, Mr W.Linnell, Hon Secretary and Mr W.Gray, Hon Treasurer and the Vicar, Vice-President. The committee agreed to have their first meeting at once.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held on March 11^th 1936 at the School Room, Edlesborough

Present: Mr H.Sear, Chairman. Parish Councillors Messrs G.Sear, V.Rogers, F.Thame and W.Norman and Clerk, R.Wright.

Parishioners present: Messrs Groombridge-Harvey, Lunnon, Lyon, A.E.Gray, G.Cook, H.Peppiatt, T.Jarvis, E.Rollings, C.Rollings, W.Cutler and Mrs Groombridge-Harvey.

Minutes of previous meeting were read, passed and signed.

The statement of receipts and payments of the Parish Council, Allotment Wardens and Charity Trustees were presented to the meeting.

The Parish account showed a balance in hand of £39-3s-1d including Allotment Garden rents payable in advance of £22-19s-0d.

Randells Charity. £21-8s-0d received and 856 loaves of bread distributed.

Gingers Charity showed a balance of £3-5s-7d.

Parish Nurse Charity showed a balance of £15-2s-10d.

Letters were read concerning the Edlesborough kiosk lighting and a footpath from Edlesborough Church to entrance of Sparrow Hall, questions which were raised at previous Annual Assembly. Regarding the footpath, after discussion, it was proposed by Mr Groombridge-Harvey, seconded by Mr E.Rollings and carried unanimously "That this meeting deplores the fact that no action was taken regarding a footpath from Edlesborough Church to entrance of Sparrow Hall and again draws your attention to the dangerous position of pedestrians on the hill. There is adequate room for a footpath on the east side and urges your committee that steps be taken to provide this footpath."

The question of providing a Fire Brigade in case of fire was raisd by Mr Groombridge-Harvey. After discussion it was proposed by Mr Groombridge-Harvey and seconded by Mr Lyon as carried "As the matter is of great importance this meeting urges the Parish Council to consider the matter at the earliest possible date."

On the proposition of Mr Cutler and seconded by Mr V.Rogers and carried "That the Clerk write to the Highways Committee asking them to consider the question of a 30 miles speed limit through Northall, Edlesborough and Dagnall."

Considerable discussion took place over providing a recreation ground at Dagnall and Mr Cutler proposed and Mr F.Thame seconded "That the Parish Council consider the matter regarding a recreation ground at Dagnall at the earliest opportunity as land suitable was in the Market." During the discussion Mr Lunnon explained how a committee was formed 4 years ago, a public meeting held, inquiries made regarding land and the committee then decided on a village hall first. Mr Groombridge-Harvey proposed an amendment "That the committee get together as soon as possible and report to the Parish Council." No one knew who the committee were so Mr Groombridge-Harvey withdrew his amendment and the proposition was put to the meeting and carried unanimously.

Questions were raised concerning Edlesborough and Northall recreation grounds but no action taken.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 15^th 1937 at the School, Edlesborough

About 60 parishioners present and Mr Linnell was appointed Chairman for the election of councillors.

Eight nominations of candidates for election were handed to the Chairman and declared valid. They were Messrs Walter Gray, Harry Sear, James Lunnon, Hugh Simmons, Elijah John Holman, Fred Thame, Wm. Norman and John Marshall Lyon. John Marshall Lyon withdrew. The Chairman declared the seven elected namely Messrs Walter Gray, Harry Sear, James Lunnon, Elijah John Holman, Fred Thame and Wm. Norman.

For the Annual Meeting Mr Harry Sear took the Chair and called upon the Clerk to read minutes of previous meeting which were read, passed and signed.

Letters were read after questions regarding Fire Brigade, 30 miles speed limit, Church Hill path.

Considerable discussion took place over a Fire Brigade. Mr Walter Gray said a verbal agreement existed with Luton Fire Brigade. Several parishioners were not satisfied and Mr Linnell proposed and Mr Frank Warner seconded "That the meeting urges the Parish Council to get a written agreement." Mr Walter Gray said as he was in Luton he would interview Mr Andrews the Fire Brigade Chief and would report at next council meeting to which everyone agreed.

Regarding the 30 miles speed limit, Mr Dickens asked why it did not apply to Northall, although asked for. As no mention was made of Northall in the letter from the County Council, it was proposd by Mr E.Rollings, seconded by T.Sanders, that the Clerk again write to the C.C. and Mr W.Gray proposed and Mr V.Rogers seconded and carried, a letter also be sent to our County Council representative.

Proposed by Mr F.Dickens, seconded by Mr Cluse and carried, a letter be sent to the P.O. asking them to reconsider the question of a light in Edlesborough kiosk.

Dagnall Rereation Ground. After considerable discussion it was proposed by Mr Harvey and seconded by Mr Dickens and carried, that the parishioners of Dagnall appoint a small committee to meet the Council at next Council meeting.

Proposed by Mrs Putman and seconded by Mr W.Gray and carried that the Council at their next meeting ask their School Managers' representatives to bring forward the question of lighting Dagnall School.

Attention was drawn to the path from the School to the Vicarage gate and Mr E.Rollings proposed and Mr V.Rogers seconded and carried, that the County Council be asked to put a kerbed footpath there.

Proposed by Mr Dickens, seconded by Mr G Sear, a letter be sent to the Eastern National Bus Co. asking them to consider the proposal of the buses going round Edlesborough Green to the Axe and Compass instead of turning at the Axe and Compass.

Mr Warner proposed and Mr Gardner seconded and carried, that the Parish Council at their next meeting consider the question of sending an application to Wing R.D.Council for building more houses in the Parish.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Allotment accounts and Charity accounts were presented to the meeting.

Parish accounts showed a balance in hand of £35-13s-10d including Allotment Garden rents £20-16s-2d payable in advance.

Randells Charity. £21-8s-0d received. 733½ loaves distributed at 7d.

Gingers Charity showed a balance of £1-18s-5d. 167½ loaves at 7½d.

Parish Nurse Charity. Expenditure £9-3s-3d leaving balance of £13-2s-9d.

Dagnall Parish Meeting held April 26^th 1937 in the Council School to consider a proposal to purchase a Recreation Ground at Dagnall

All Parish Councillors present with the exception of Mr W.Gray.

Parishioners present: Messrs G.Cutler, Rogers, A.Thorne, G.Thorne, G.Dean, S.Thame and A.R.Osborn.

The meeting unanimously voted Mr J.Lunnon Chairman.

Mr Lunnon read a letter from Mr F.Cutler regretting his absence through illness. Everyone present was very sorry because of Mr Cutler's enthusiasm on the question.

Mr Lunnon then explained the various ways and means of obtaining a recreation ground, also the obstacles.

Mr Ashby's land was ruled out owing to price.

Mr E.J.Holman informed the meeting Mr Gray's offer of £40 which he made in 1930 still held good and it was agreed the best course would be to find a suitable piece of ground and price. Make appeals to various associations and trusts. The Parish Council agreed to send a letter to the Zoological Society hoping they would make a good contribution when ground and price were settled.

It was then proposed by Mr G.Thorne, seconded by Mr A.R.Osborn and carried, the following four Dagnall parishioners Messrs F.Cutler, G.Thorne, A.R.Osborn and Silas Thame cooperate with four parish councillors, Messrs J.Lunnon, H.Sear, F.Thame and W.Norman with powers to co-opt, Mr Lunnon, Chairman, and Mr F.Cutler, Secretary, pro tem.

Mr F.Thame thanked the Edlesborough Councillors for their attendance and interest in the question.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 30^th 1938

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon (Chairman), H Simmons, E.J.Holman, H.Sear, W.Norman and F.Thame. Also the two Rural Councillors, Messrs J.Lyon, S.J.Groombridge-Harvey and 16 parishioners.

Minutes of previous Parish meeting were read, passed and signed. The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish Council, Charity accounts and Allotment accounts were presented to the meeting.

Parish accounts showed a balance of £64-16s-8½d including £21-7s-10d Allotment Garden rents payable in advance, also the precept as the Meads footpath has not been paid for.

Randells Charity: £21-8s-0d received. 642 loaves at 8d distributed.

Gingers Charity showed a balance of £3-12s-0d on Jan 18^th 1938. 135 loaves distributed at 8½d, £4-15s-7d.

Parish Nurse Charity: Expenditure £8-10s-8d leaving balance £12-1s-1d.

Letters were read by the Clerk on the various questions put forward at the last Parish Meeting.

Mr Dickens proposed and Mr H.Sear seconded and carried "That the Clerk write to the District Telephone Manager asking him who was responsible for the light in Edlesborough kiosk as on occasion it had been unlit for a month at a time. Also if it was possible to erect a kiosk at Northall, there being no public telephone between Water End and Leighton Buzzard."

Proposed by Mr Putman, seconded by W.Norman and carried "That the Clerk write to the County Surveyor re the pond outside Mr Ashby's farm, as in winter it was halfway across the road and very dangerous."

Proposed by Mr E.Rollings, seconded by Mr Oakins, and carried "That the Clerk ask the County Surveyor if the electric pole could not be shifted from the narrowest part of the new path."

Scavenging. Proposed by Mr F.Dickens, seconded by Mr F.Bearton and carried "That the Clerk write to W.R.D.C. calling their attention to the question".

Mr G.Dean reported that rubbish was deposited on Dagnall Allotment roadway and who was responsible. An argument took place and at the finish the Clerk was instructed to write to Mr J.Bates asking him to remove same.

The question of lighting the parish was discussed. After discussion, Mr Dickens proposed nunce callum sec "That a parish meeting be called to consider the question of adopting the Lighting Act." This was put to the meeting and carried by 12 votes to 4. A meeting was arranged for April 14^th.

The question of Dagnall Triangle was discussed. Various parishioners said the electric light and telegraph poles ought to be underground, the Zoo direction post removed, it was nothing but a dump for the County Council during the winter months. Money was spent to beautify the countryside while this was nothing but an eyesore. Mr Dickens proposed and Mr Thame seconded and carried that the Clerk write to the County Surveyor calling his attention to the parishioners objections.

Parish Meeting held April 14^th 1938 to consider the question of adopting the Lighting Act

Mr Lunnon presided. All Councillors present, also the two Rural Councillors and about 20 parishioners.

Mr Gray proposed and Mr Thame seconded the adoption of the Lighting Act.

Mr Lyon inquired of the cost which was answered by the Chairman. Mr Lyon then explained as Rural Councillor how the rates would increase in two to three years, Water Rate, Sewerage and Scavenging. Personally he did not mind how the voting went. Messrs Saunders, Warner, Frank Bearton, G.Sear and J.Oakins all spoke as there were questions needing attention before lighting.

The question was then put to the meeting, Messrs Lyon and Groombridge-Harvey acted as tellers, and was defeated by 4 votes for and 15 against.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 15^th 1939

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon, Chair, H.Simmons, E.H.Holman and W.Norman. Also the Rural Councillor Mr Groombridge-Harvey, 10 parishioners and Clerk, R.J.Wright.

Minutes of previous meeting were read, passed and signed.

The statement of receipts and payments of the Parish and Charity accounts were presented to the meeting.

Parish accounts showed a balance of £39-18s-9d including £20-19s-1½d allotment garden rents payable in advance.

Randells Charity: Received of Mr Ashby £21-8s-0d. 642 loaves at 8d distributed.

Gingers Charity showed a balance of £4-3s-4d. 135 loaves distributed £4-10s-0d.

Parish Nurse Charity showed a balance of £11-16s-8d. Receipts £8-2s-4d. Expenditure £8-6s-9d.

Letters were read by the Clerk on the various questions put forward at last Parish Meeting.

Four letters were read from the District Manager of PO Telephones concerning the erection of a telephone kiosk at Northall. He said it could only be provided on the undertaking of the Council to pay a fixed rental of £4 per annum for 5 years. This proposal the Parish Council turned down at a subsequent meeting. The majority of the Parish Meeting spoke in favour of having one erected. Mr F.Gadsden proposed and Mr Groombridge-Harvey seconded and carried "That the Parish Council reconsider the question at their next meeting."

After hearing the County Surveyor's reply re Dagnall Triangle, it was proposed by Mr Putman, seconded by Mr Thorne and carried "That the huge Zoo direction board be moved altogether or a smaller board erected."

Poles on Edlesborough footpath. As the poles cannot be moved, it was proposed by Mr Dickens, seconded by Mr Groombridge-Harvey, "That the poles be painted white 6ft up."

Proposed by W.Norman , seconded by Mrs Putman and carried "That the Clerk draw the Surveyor's attention to the filling in of a drain by Messrs Press outside Mr Munn's at Dagnall."

The Chairman read a letter from Mr G.Dean, Dagnall, complaining that the rubbish deposited on the allotment roadway had not been removed. The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr J.Bates who, it is alleged, put it there.

The Clerk was instructed to write to the Eastern National Bus Co. calling there attention to one or two of their drivers turning at Cow Lane and backing on the path opposite instead of turning at the Memorial Hall. Also it would be much better for the buses to stop on the south side of the Axe and Compass instead of on the bend as at present.

Proposed by Mr Dickens, seconded by Mr Holman and carried "That the Clerk ask the County Surveyor to put short posts with red discs at the Dagnall and Ivinghoe sides of the roundabout at the Travellers Rest."

Proposed by Mrs Thorne, seconded by Mrs Putman and carried "That the Clerk write to the Berkhamstead Rural Council calling their attention to the awful smell coming from the Hertfordshire Egg Products Ltd. along the Hempstead road. The parishioners at Dagnall said their food was tainted with it and asking them to take proceedings to abate nuisance."

Proposed by Mr Dickens, seconded by Mr Groombridge-Harvey and carried "That the Parish Council at their next meeting consider the cleaning of the brook on Edlesborough Green. Also to the erection of a notice board near the Green Allotments."

Proposed by Mr Dickens, seconded by Mr Groombridge-Harvey and carried "That the Clerk write to the County Surveyor calling his attention to contractors doing road contracts not providing proper lavatories."

Annual Assembly of the Parsh Meeting held March 6^th 1940

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon, H.Simmons, F.Thame. Absent through illness, E.J.Holman. The Rural Councillor, Mr J.Lyon and a small number of parishioners.

Mr Lunnon, in opening, referred to the deaths of two members, the late Mr W.Gray and Mr Harry Sear. He proposed a letter of sympathy be sent to Mrs H.Sear and the meeting endorsed this by standing.

Minutes of previous meeting were read, passed and signed.

The statements of Receipts and Payments of the Parish and Charity accounts were read.

Parish accounts showed a balance of £44-1s-11d including £20-19s-1d payable in advance.

Randells Charity received of Mr Ashby £21-8s-0d. 733½ loaves distributed.

Gingers Charity showed a balance of £4-7s-8d. 148½ loaves distributed.

Parish Nurse Charity showed a balance of £16-12s-0d. Receipts £10-10s-3d. Expenditure £5-14s-11d.

Rubbish on Dagnall allotment path. After discussion it was decided to let Dagnall councillors get it removed and present bill at Council meeting.

Attention was drawn to overhanging hedges at Dagnall and the Clerk instructed to write to the County Council.

A letter was read from the PO Sales Manager re the Northall kiosk. He said the matter would have to be postponed and be reopened when circumstances permit.

Parish Meeting held August 6^th 1940

Present, Messrs J.Lunnon, Chair, F.Thame, H.Simmons and E.J.Holman, Clerk, R.J.Wright.

The meeting was called to discuss the production and marketing of non-perishable vegetables.

Only one male parishioner (Mr R.Jaggard) and 16 members of the Womens Institute attended.

Mr Lunnon and Mr Webb addressed the meeting on the need of growing more food and as it was said most men were busy on the allotments or at harvest work, it was decided to have another meeting in about 6 weeks.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held Mar 19^th 1941

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon (Chair), W.Norman, H.Simmons, G.Sear, E.J.Holman, S.George. Clerk, R.J.Wright. The Rural Councillor S.J.Groombridge-Harvey and Mr F.Cutler.

Mr Lunnon in opening referred to the death of Mr F.Thame and the meeting endorsed this by standing. He also referred to the valuable help of the Womens Institute in raising £40-5s-6d for the Spitfire Fund and it was unanimously decided to send the Womens Institute a letter of thanks.

Mr Lunnon also referred to the gallant action of Trooper W.Hunt of Northall in winning the M. Medal. It was unanimously decided to send him congratulations.

Minutes of previous meeting were then read, passed and signed.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish, also Charity accounts were read.

Parish accounts showed a balance of £46-16s-10d including £23-10s-2d garden rents paid in advance.

Randells Charity received of Mr F.Ashby £21-8s0d. 684½ loaves at 7½d distributed.

Gingers Charity showed a balance of £5-1s-9d. 153 loaves at 7d distributed.

Parish Nurse Charity showed a balance of £21-19s-1d. Dec 30^th 1940 £4-9s-3d.

A letter was read concerning the absence of the letter box at Edlesborough Church End. The old one was built in the churchyard wall which fell down owing to the hard weather. As the box served roughly 40 houses, it was unanimously decided to ask the Luton Postmaster to put a temporary box on the telegraph pole near Church as at Northall.

Mr Simmons said he had been asked by the Home Guard if the Council had any objection to them playing a football match on a Sunday with the Air Force. The majority of the Council were against Sunday games etc, but they did not think they had any jurisdiction in the matter.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 11^th 1942

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon, Chair, H.Simmons, F.Cutler, E.J.Holman, G.Sear, S.George, R.J.Wright, Clerk, Absent W.C.Norman.

Also Mr S.J.Groombridge-Harvey, PC Dickens and Mr & Mrs Putman, Dagnall.

Minutes of previous meting were read, passed and signed.

Regarding the minute about Sunday Sports, PC Dickens said these could be held by local people if not a nuisance and orderly, but no invitation must be sent out for other teams to play.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish, also Charity accounts were read.

The Parish account showed a balance of £48-0s-5d including £23-10s-2d garden rents paid in advance.

Randells Charity. Received of Mr Ashby £21-8s-0d. Bread Distributed

Edlesborugh 282½

Dagnall 254

Northall 148

at 7½d 684½

Gingers Charity Balance £5-1s-9d 174 loaves at 8d £5-1s-6d

Commission £5-3s-4d Balance £5-3s-7d

£10-5s-1d £10-5s-1d

Parish Nurse Charity

Balance £21-19s-1d Expenditure £14-10s-5d

Commission £3-9s-0d Balance £16- 2s-0d

Town Lands Charity £5-4s-4d

£30-12s-5d £30-12s-5d

Mr Groombridge-Harvy asked if the old inhabitants at Tyndall House could not have something at Xmas. Mr Geo. Sear, a Trustee, said this was being done.

Mr Groombridge-Harvey, as tenant of Ashton's Charity, asked what were his rights concerning Edlesborough Green. The hedges and gates were broke, one continually being taken off. He also drew attention to the seats not being taken in during winter. It was explained he was entitled to the grazing subject to preserving the surface. The repairs to fences and hedges were his liability.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 17^th 1943

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon, Chair, H.Simmons, E.J.Holman, G.Sear, F.Cutler, W.Norman and R.J.Wright (Clerk). Absent: S.George.

Minutes of previous meeting were read, passed and signed.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish and Charity accounts were read, passed and signed.

Parish account showed a balance of £50-6s-11d which included £23-18s-11d garden rents payable in advance,

Randells Charity. Received of Mr Ashby £21-8s-0d.

Bread Distributed

264 loaves Edlesborugh

240 Dagnall

138 Northall

642 at 8d £21-8s-0d

Gingers Charity

Balance £5-3s-7d 177 loaves at 9d £6-12s-9d

Charity Comm Interest £5-3s-4d Balance £3-14s-2d

£10-6s-11d £10-6s-11d

Parish Nurse Charity

Balance £16-2s-0d Expenditure £12-6s-9d

Charity Commissioners £3-9s-0d Balance £12- 4s-3d

Town Lands Charity £5-0s-0d

£24-11s-0d £24-11s-0d

Mr Lunnon referred to the illness of the Vicar (Rev W.L.Lake). The Clerk was instructed to send him a letter of sympathy and wish him a speedy recovery.

Mr Lunnon read a letter from Mr Watson asking the Council to call a meeting to consider arrangements for a "Wings for Victory Week." It was decided to have one on April 21^st at 7o'clock (Wings Week May 22 to 29).

It was decided to hold the Annual Meeting on April 17^th at 2 o'clock for the benefit of the Dagnall Councillors.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 15^th 1944

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon, Chair, H.Simmons, E.J.Holman, G.Sear, F.Cutler, S.George, R.J.Wright (Clerk). Absent: W.Norman. Parshioners: Mr J.Lyon and Mr & Mrs Groombridge-Harvey.

Minutes of previous meeting were read, passed and signed.

The statement of Receipts and Payments of the Parish accounts and Charity accounts were read.

Parish accounts showed a balance of £56-13s-3d which included £23-18s-11d garden rents payable in advance.

Randells Charity. Received of Mr Ashby £21-8s-0d.

Bread Distributed

264 loaves Edlesborugh

240 Dagnall

138 Northall

642 at 8d £21-8s-0d

Gingers Charity

Balance £3-14s-2d 69 Northall

Interest CC £5-3s-4d 115 Edlesborough

184 at 9d £6-18s-0d

Balance £1-19s-6d

£8-17s-6d £8-17s-6d

Parish Nurse Charity

Balance £12-4s-3d Charitable Funds B of E £1-5s-9d

Charity Commission 17s-3d Austin 4s-0d

Town Lands Charity £5-0s-0d Hartley 12s-0d

3% Defence Bonds £1-9s-1d C.Willard & F.Archer £4-8s-6d

W.C.Norman & G.Norman £4-6s-3d

Edlesborough & Ivinghoe NA £1-1s-0d

Balance £7-13s-1d

£19-10s-7d £19-10s-7d

Mr Harvey inquired if chalk at Dagnall could be used for the land. The Clerk stated that according to the Award, the chalk could be only used for roads and ways in the Parish.

Mr Lyon said the local newsagent Mr Dawe was discontinuing the delivery of daily papers owing, he understood, to the shortage of petrol. The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Dawe asking him if the Parish Council, with the backing of the Rural Council, should ask the Petroleum Officer to increase his petrol allowance.

Mr Groombridge-Harvey called attention to the small library at Edlesborough. He said it was only changed twice a year and as the Parish Council paid its share towards the library rate and we were 5 miles from a town library, the parish ought to have a better service. The Clerk was instructed to write to the County Librarian.

It was reported that Mr E.Dollimore was not collecting refuse again owing to labour difficulties. Mr Lyon, the Rural Councillor, said the Wing RDC would collect themselves as soon as possible. Mr F.Cutler asked if Mr Saunders of Ringshall had been approached. Mr Lyon noted this.

Special Parish Meeting held June 1^st 1944

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon, Chair, H.Simmons, S.George, E.J.Holman

The meeting was called to arrange for the "Salute the Soldier Week." This was well attended and a committee appointed. The result of this effort was £8500.

Special Parish Meeting held June 24^th 1944

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon, Chair, H.Simmons, S.George.

This meeting was called to consider post war housing. Several sites were suggested, one opposite the Vicarage part of the regulated pasture owned by Mr Britten was voted out and the matter referred to the RDC and the two local members of the RDC.

The question of sports for August Bank Holiday was brought forward by Mr Davis who stated that a committee of those interested had to be formed and they asked for the approval and support of the Parish Meeting. The meeting gave its support to the suggestion.

The suggestion of a flower show was raised but received only little support.

Special Parish Meeting held September 13^th 1944

Presnt: Mr J.Lunnon, Chair, H.Simmons, S.George and E.J.Holman.

The meeting was called to consider the setting up of a committee to raise the usual Christmas Fund for men and women serving in the Forces (Dagnall were making their own arrangements). A committee was appointed and Mr Davis reported a profit on the Bank Holiday Sports of £22 and Mrs Thorne reported a profit on refreshments on the same occasion of £60. These were both handed over to the fund.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held Mar 14^th 1945

Present: Messrs J.Lunnon, Chair, H.Simmons,E.J.Holman, F.Cutler, W.Norman and R.J.Wright (Clerk). Apologies: S.George and G.Sear.

Parishioners present were Messrs S.J.Groombridge-Harvey, A.Dyer, Green (Dagnall), H.Dickens, Michaelis, PC Dickens and Mesdames Lunnon and Michaelis. Apologies: Mr J.M.Lyon and Rev W.Edgar.

Minutes of previous meeting were read, passed and signed.

The statement of Parish and Charity accounts were read.

Parish accounts showed a balance of £61-12s-5d which included £23-6s-8d garden rents payable in advance.

Randells Charity. Received of Mr Ashby £21-8s-0d.

Bread Distributed

264 loaves Edlesborugh

240 Dagnall

138 Northall

642 at 8d per loaf £21-8s-0d

Gingers Charity

Balance 1944 £1-19s-6d 151 loaves at 9d £5-13s-3d

Interest £5-3s-4d Balance £1-19s-6d

£7-2s-10d £7-2s-10d

Parish Nurse Charity

Balance £7-13s-1d Austin 2s-6d

Interest, 3% Defence Bonds £3-0s-0d Hartley 2s-6d

Town Lands Charity £5-0s-0d Messrs Willard £2-17s-9d

G. & W.Norman £2-2s-1d

Balance £10-8s-3d

£15-13s-1d £15-13s-1d

Mr Lunnon referred to the death of a former member Mr R.E.Cluse, to the resignation of the Clerk and the appointment of Mr H.Dickens as successor and the acceptance of a separate polling booth by the CC for Dagnall at Parliamentary and Local Government elections.

Mr Dickens thanked the Council for the confidence placed in him.

The Clerk read a letter from the County Librarian re the question raised at the last meeting. She said the number of books had increased from 60 to 200. The Headmaster was the local librarian and took a real interest in the work. Mr Groombridge-Harvey who raised the question last year was still not satisfied and the Clerk was instructed to ask Mr Linnell if things had improved since the letter was sent last year.

Re the report of the special meeting held June 24^th, Mr A.Dyer said he understood the site for the proposed council houses was down Cow Lane. He said it was always wet there, caught the frosts, very little sunshine and objected to orchard land being taken. There were far more suitable sites. The parishioners should be heard where houses should be built and he hoped that the Council would get the County Planning Officer to meet the parishioners and present alternative sites. Mr Wright objected to taking away allotments at Northall where there was rural sanitation. Mr Groombridge-Harvey said that when he and Mr Lyon as Wing RDC representatives met the Planning Officer, the recommendations given regards the site in Cow Lane was to keep children off the road, near the centre of the village, accessible to water and electric light and future sewage development and prevent ribbon development. This was countered by saying the Northall children walked ¾ mile to school along the main road without a footpath and Northall was a mile long and about 10 houses each side of the road. A misunderstanding had been caused by the report in the local paper of the Wing RDC meeting saying the Parish Council had approved of two houses for old people at the corner opposite the chapel.

After a discussion of various sites thought suitable and no settlement could be reached without the advice of the County Planning Officer, the following resolution was proposed by Mr Dyer, seconded by H.Simmons and carried "That this meeting strongly objects to the proposed housing site in Cow Lane and requests form the Wing RDC alternative sites to be discussed at a future parish meeting, at the same time asking the County Planning Officer to attend the meeting." A similar resolution was proposed by Mr Wright and seconded by Mr Michealis and carried regarding the Northall site.

Mr G.Green spoke of the smell from the Dagnall sewer between the pond and the cross roads. Temporary concrete slabs which could be raised by children were now over the drainage. Mr F.Cutler said the substantial manhole covers were broken by tanks. Mr Groombridge –Harvey also spoke. The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Thompson calling his attention to the matter and meet Mr Green.

Mr F.Dickens said he understood the Rural Council were taking over street lighting in the villages. Mr Groombridge-Harvey thought all parish councils had received a letter from Mr Clifford re this question. The Clerk said he had received no letter. The Clerk was instructed to ask Mr Clifford what steps the parish can take to adopt street lighting.

Mr A.Dyer called attention to the half-hourly Edlesborough buses turning round at the Axe & Compass. He said a good many houses were on the hourly route to the Travellers Rest, a permanent Air Station was there. People from Dagnall came to the Travellers Rest stop and if the route could be extended to the Travellers Rest, it would relieve the strain on the hourly Aylesbury buses. It was proposed by Mr Groombridge-Harvey, seconded by Mr Green and carried "That this meeting asks the Eastern National Bus Co to extend the ½ hourly Edlesborough bus service from the Axe & Compass to the Travellers Rest."

Mr Lunnon said arrangements ought to be made for Victory Celebrations as he thought the end would soon be near. It was decided to discuss this at the hoped for Parish Housing Meeting.

Addition: to place on record:

The loyal, willing and conscientious services fulfilled by Mr R.J.Wright during his ten years in office as Clerk to the Parish Council.

Special Parish Meeting held May 2^nd 1945

Present: Mr J.Lunnon (Chairman), Messrs S.George, H.Simmons, E.J.Holman, G.Sear, F.Cutler, with the Clerk H.Dickens.

Mr J.M.Lyon and Mr S.J.Groombridge-Harvey, Rural District Councillors and 24 parishioners. An apology was received from the Rev W.Edgar, that he would be unable to attend the meeting.

The meeting was specially convened to select alternative sites for post war houses at Edlesborough and Northall to forward to the Wing RDC in deference to sites chosen; also to discuss Victory Day celebrations.

The Chairman introduced Mr A.H>Prince, County Planning Officer and Mr H.A.Rolls, District Architect.

An extract from the minutes of the Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting, held on March 14^th on housing sites was read. This was followed by Mr Prince addressing the gathering. He explained why the proposed site at Cow Lane was preferred to other positions viewed in the village. This site he said was ideally situated. It was central, but at the same time not in a dangerous position. Shops, bus services, the recreation ground and the school were all close by and the place would be favourable in view of future sewerage development.

Mr Rolls expressed his views on considering possible sites and said, to the enlightenment of the meeting, that the number of post war houses to be built at Edlesborough under the present scheme was twelve, two of which would be for old people. Northall would get four houses.

A lengthy discussion on suitable places for houses at Edlesborough and Northall ensued, as a result of which the following resolution was carried "That the site for post war houses at Edlesborough be in the field, owned by Mr P.Pratt, opposite Mr I.Mead." Proposed by Mr F.Dickens , seconded by Mr E.J.Holman. As an alternative the motion "That a portion of Mr F.Britten's land be used as a building site for post war houses" was carried. Proposed by Mr Lyon, seconded by Mr Dyer.

Other sites at Edlesborough to be considered were:

• Mr Lyon's meadow adjoining the School grounds
• At Church End in the field adjoining council houses
• On Mr Groombridge-Harvey's land opposite Mr Lyon's barn at Church Farm
• Cow Lane
• Adjoining Ivinghoe Estate

At Northall the site selected was Southend Road. Positions alongside and also opposite the council houses and at Chapel Lane were suggested.

No objection to the proposed site at Dagnall was raised after Mr Lyon mentioned future road developments which would alleviate existing road dangers.

This concluded the subject of housing sites and the Chairman voiced the thanks and the appreciation of the Council and others present to Mr Prince and Mr Rolls for kindly attending the meeting.

At this juncture the reading of the minutes of the Annual Assembly were completed, accepted and signed.

The Clerk read letters from the Eastern National Bus Co Ltd, in reply to the Council's request for an extension of the bus service from Luton to Edlesborough Axe and Compass to the Travellers Rest. The Company could only offer an extension to the 6:45pm Saturday and 7:05pm Sunday services. This offer was accepted by the Council.

Mr Groombridge-Harvey said that at a recent Rural Council meeting, a scheme had been proposed for a bus service to connect Ivinghoe Aston, Slapton, Northall and Church End, Edlesborough. As Northall was involved he thought the Council might support the proposal. This was agreed and the Clerk was instructed to convey the Council's attitude on the subject to the Eastern National Bus Co Ltd.

It was proposed by Mr F.Dickens, seconded by Mr Dyer and carried "That the last daily bus, namely the 9:15pm from Luton, be extended from the Axe and Compass to the Travellers Rest." The Clerk was directed to forward this resolution to the Eastern National Bus Co Ltd.

The question of street lighting was discussed after the Clerk had read a letter on this matter from the Wing RDC following an enquiry. Mr Dickens proposed, seconded Mrs Bearton and carried "That efforts should be made to adopt street lighting in the parish." Mr Dickens was asked to submit information regards this at the next Parish meeting.

The outcome of a discussion on Victory Celebrations was "That a committee be formed to explore the possibilities of making arrangements for Victory Celebrations." Proposed by Mr Lyon, seconded by Mrs Groombridge-Harvey. A committee designate was formed and it included, the Parish Council, the two Rural District Councillors, President and Secretary of the Womens Institute, The Rev W.Edgar, PC Dickens, Messrs A.Dyer, J.Davis, J. & P.Pratt and R.Oakins. A meeting of the proposed committee was convened for May 16^th.

The opinion was expressed that both Northall and Dagnall would arrange their own functions.

Special Parish Meeting held 26^th September 1945

Present: Mr J.Lunnon, Chairman, Messrs S.George, J.M.Lyon, S.J.Groombridge-Harvey, the Rev W.Edgar, H.Dickens, Clerk.

There were eleven parishioners from Edlesborough and six from Northall. An apology was received from Mr F.Dickens.

It was proposed by Mr J.Davis, seconded by Mr Lyon, "That a special parish meeting be arranged at a later date to discuss the local Thanksgiving Week." Mr Lyon proposed and Mr Groombridge-Harvey seconded and it was carried "That the meeting be convened for Friday, Oct. 5^th at 7:30pm in the Edlesborough Council School."

It was proposed by Mr Groombridge-Harvey, seconded by Mrs Michaelis "That a Christmas Gift Fund for serving men and women of Edlesborough and Northall be organised." The meeting agreed that all Edlesborough and Northall men and women who have served in the Forces during this year should be eligible for the Fund. It was the unanimous vote of the assembly that a house-to-house collection be arranged and Mr Davis said he would approach Mr Oakins with a view to the supply of envelopes etc., as had been used in previous years.

The following were nominated to serve on the Committee of the Fund:

The Parish Council

Mr J.M.Lyons and Mr S.J.Groombridge-Harvey, W.R.D.C.

The Rev W.Edgar

President and Secretary of the Womens Institute

Messrs J.Davis, F.Dickens, J.Pratt, A.Dyer, E.Pratt, J.Costin, G.Bennett, H.Kimble and L.Michaelis.

Mesdames P.Pratt, A.Dyer, R.Sharratt, M.Sharratt, L.Michaelis, G.Thorne, I.Mead, F.Ash, B.Gurney, A.Gray, F.Nash and M.Barker.

A committee meeting was arranged for Oct 190^th at 7:30pm in the school and the Clerk was instructed to issue notice of the meeting to the nominated committee.

The minutes of the last meeting and the results of the house-to-house collection, received from Mr Oakins, Secretary of the Fund were read and signed. The total of the Fund now amounted to £40-5s-0½d. It was proposed by Mr Groombridge-Harvey, seconded by Mr Lyon and carried "That the celebration take place some time next May and a letter to this effect should be included in the Christmas Gift Fund Appeal envelopes." It was decided to hold a meeting early in January to discuss ways and means of raising more money for the Fund. The risk of adverse weather conditions, lack of accommodation to hold the celebration and catering difficulties influenced the decision to have the function next May. Near the anniversary of VE-Day was a suggested day.

Special Parish Meeting held 5^th Oct 1945

Present: Mr J.Lunnon, Chairman, Messrs H.Simmons, J.M.Lyon, H.Dickens, Clerk, Mrs Osbourne, Mr Thorne and Mr F.Dickens. Apology from the Rev W.Edgar.

The meeting was called to discuss the local "Thanksgiving Week." Mr J.M.Lyon was appointed Chairman of the Committee for the campaign and he read a letter from Mr H.G.Ruggles, Hon Sec Local Savings movement in which in which the proposed dares for "Thanksgiving Week" were Nov 17^th until Nov 24^th. Mr Lyon said the Parish Council representative to serve on the parent committee was Mr Lunnon, who had been appointed to this office at a recent Parish Council meeting. Mr Lyon proposed, seconded by Mr Lunnon "That Mrs Barker be asked to serve as Secretary for the Committee."

Regret was expressed at the lack of attendance at the meeting and a further meeting was arranged for Friday, Oct 12^th at 7 o'clock in the school.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 11^th 1946 at Edlesborough Council School

Present: Mr J.Lunnon (Chairman), Messrs G.Sear, S.George, E.J.Holman, H.Simmons, the Rev W.Edgar and Messrs S.J.Groombridge-Harvey and J.M.Lyon (Wing RDC) with H.Dickens (Clerk) and 46 parishioners.

Apologies received from W.Norman and J.Cutler for inability to attend.

Election of Parish Council. Mr Lunnon, Chairman of the Parish Council announced that he was not a candidate and he thus remained Chairman for the business of the election and the meeting.

Fifteen nomination papers were handed to the Chairman and all were declared valid. They were: John Costin (27), Joseph Davis (38), Alfred Dyer (39), Wyndham Edgar Rev. (34), Francis Samuel Green (12), Marghuerita Sophia Groombridge-Harvey (7), Elijah John Holman (3), Leo Michaelis, Alice Rose Osborn (29), Dorothy Ruth Putman (19), Eric Pratt (32), George Sear, Silas F.Thame (30), Albert George Thorne (19) and Frank Warner (21).

Leo Michaelis and George Sear withdrew their candidatures.

The Chairman declared the following to be elected: John Costin, Joseph Davis, Alfred Dyer, Wyndham Edgar Rev., Alice Rose Osborn, Eric Pratt and Silas F.Thame.

Minutes of previous meeting were read, passed and signed after recording the loyal, willing and conscientious services fulfilled by Mr R.J.Wright during his ten years in office as Clerk to the Parish Council.

A statement of Parish and Charity accounts was read. The Parish showed a balance of £63-9s-11d, which included £23-1s-1d garden rents payable in advance.

Randells Charity.

Received of Mr Ashby £21-8s-0d. Loaves Distributed

264 Edlesborugh

240 Dagnall

138 Northall

642 at 8d per loaf £21-8s-0d

Gingers Charity

Balance last Parish meeting £1-9s-7d Loaves distributed Interest Charity Commissioners £5-3s-4d Northall 56

Edlesbo' 85½

141½

@ 9d £5-6s-0d

Balance £1-6s-11d

£6-12s-11d £6-12s-11d

Parish Nurse Charity

Balance brought forward £10-8s-3d Austin 2s-6d

Interest, 3% Defence Bonds £1-10s-0d Edlesboro' Nursing Ass £1-1s-0d

" " " " £1-10s-0d Hartley 2s-6d

        Willard £3-2s-0d

Norman £2-0s-2d

Balance £7-0s-1d

£13-8s-3d £13-8s-3d

The Clerk read letters form Eastern National Bus Co. re-extending the service from the Axe & Compass to the Travellers Rest. The Co. had extended the 6:45pm Saturday and the 7:05 Sunday journeys from Luton to the Axe & Compass to the Travellers Rest and was investigating the possibilities of further extensions.

Mr Groombridge-Harvey said the Wing RDC had given consideration to bus services in the district and proposals had been made to Eastern National Bus Co. The Clerk stated that the Parish Council had written to the Wing RDC and the Bus Co. supporting these proposals.

Two letters from Wing RDC relating to street lighting in the parish were read by the Clerk. Progress in this matter was hampered by the Luton Electricity Undertaking not being able to proceed with new street lighting until conditions improved. Mr Lyon said that the Luton E.U. had been supplied with the number of lamps required and he added that the Undertaking hoped to have the full scheme operating by next season.

A discussion took place respecting the urgent need for the construction of kerbed footpaths in various parts of the parish. It was proposed by Mr Groombridge-Harvey, seconded by Mr Dyer "That kerbed footpaths are urgently needed from Northall to Edlesborough and from The Colliers along the main-road, Dagnall, to connect withexisting path. These especially for the safety of school children." The Clerk was instructed to write to the appropriate authorities concerning this.

Replying to questions re-post war houses at Edlesborough and Dagnall, Mr Lyon stated difficulty was being experienced in obtaining suitable tenders.

The meeting continued to consider victory celebrations. Mr J.lunnon was in the Chair, with Mrs Barker secretary.

The following were co-opted onto the existing committee: Mr and Mrs O'Shaughnessy, Miss Maddock, Mrs J.Lunnon, Mrs Linnell, Messrs E.Rogers, F.Bearton and C.Rance.

Mr Davis agreed to organize the childrens sports assisted by Mr O'Shaughnessy. Mr Humphrey agreed to arrange adult sports.

The offer made by Mr Humphrey to print a circular was readily accepted. The Chairman and Secretary were to draft this letter. Mrs Linnell offered to arrange for the school children to distribute these letters. This offer was accepted.

Mr Groombridge-Harvey and Mr Lyon said they would canvass the village regards refreshments and would report progress at the next meeting.

Mr F.Dickens said he would give a donation to the childrens sports effort.

A parish meeting was convened for 7 o'clock, Monday, March 25^th, at the council school.

Special Parish Meeting held 23^rd July 1946, at 7:30pm in Edlesborough Council School

1939-45 War Memorial

Present: The Rev Wyndham Edgar (Chairman), Mrs Osborn, Messrs J.Davis, A.Dyer, S.F.Thame and H.Dickens (Clerk).

Mr J.Lunnon and seven parishioners were also present.

The Chairman explained the object of the meeting , which was to discuss the form of memorials in the Parish to mark the 1939-45 war, and made an introductory speech on the subject.

It was proposed by Mr A.Dyer, seconded by Mrs Cook (A.) and carried "That the names of the Fallen from Edlesborough and Northall in the 1939-45 war be added to the existing war memorial at Edlesborough, and that the Parish Council should seek the opinion of Dagnall parishioners regards adding a name to Dagnall War Memorial."

The outcome of a lengthy and general discussion concerning The Green was a proposition by Mr A.Dyer, seconded by Mr Davis and carried "That a special parish meeting be held to discuss the possibilities of the Parish Council purchasing the Green." This meeting was convened for Wednesday, 18^th September, at 7:30pm in Edlesborough Council School.

During the discussion a suggestion was made that the Green be purchased as a War Memorial with the addition of swings etc. and a tennis court, but deliberation upon this point was restrained when the above motion was carried.

It was suggested that a bungalow be erected for the District Nurse as a memorial, but after various opinions had been expressed the meting agreed "That as a rural development and a Parish necessity, The Wing RDC be asked to erect a suitable bungalow for the District Nurse." The Clerk was directed to write the Wing RDC accordingly.

The suggestion that an adequate community centre was required to meet the needs of the Parish received unanimous support and it was proposed by Mrs Michaelis, seconded Mr Davis and agreed "That enquiries be made with respect to the Parish acquiring the Memorial Hall to which necessary extensions and alterations should be made, or failing this, that a village hall as a community centre be erected by the Parish."

The Chairman said that as the Memorial Hall was Church property, it would be necessary to contact the Church Authorities at Oxford and he undertook to obtain as much information as possible for the next meeting.

Special Parish Meeting held 18^th September 1946, at 7:30pm in Edlesborough Council School

Present: The Rev Wyndham Edgar (Chairman), Mrs Osborn, Messrs A.Dyer, J.Davis, J.Costin, H.Dickens (Clerk) and eight parishioners.

Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J.Lunnon, E.Pratt and F.Dickens.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read, passed and signed.

The Clerk reported it had been ascertained by Dagnall Parish Councillors that there was not a name to add to Dagnall War Memorial.

A letter received from Mr Hoare in reply to the Parish Council's inquiry regards the purchase of The Green was read. From this it was learned that the Trustees of The Green were carrying out certain negotiations, which of necessity caused the Council's inquiry to be placed in abeyance.

The Clerk said he had not received a reply from the Wing RDC following a letter which had been submitted adverting to a bungalow being erected in Edlesborough for the District Nurse, as had been agreed at the previous meeting. Mr Michaelis, Wing R.D. Councillor, explained the matter had been considered by the Wing RDC and had been shelved temporarily. It was proposed by Mr Dyer, seconded by Mr Groombridge-Harvey and carried "That Mr Seabrook, Treasurer to the Edlesborough, Ivinghoe & District Nursing Association be informed that the meeting considers the erection of a bungalow for the Edlesborough District Nurse a necessity, and urges steps should be taken for this requirement to be fulfilled." The Clerk to write to Mr Seabrook accordingly.

In a report on the position of the Parish wishing to purchase the Memorial Hall as the 1939-45 War Memorial, the Chairman said the Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance had replied that the Board would have to give the matter careful consideration and it would also have to be brought before the Charity Commissioner. Meantime the Parochial Church Council had considered the question and this body was unanimously against the Hall being taken over by the Parish, but would be willing to consider any suggestion towards making suitable alterations to the existing building to serve s a war memorial, the P.C.C. to retain the governing rights. The O.D.B.F had expressed approval at the decision made by the P.C.C.

With a view to the Parish erecting a community centre it was agreed the Clerk should write to the National Council of Social Service to enquire if this Society could give financial support, even though there was a Church Hall in the Parish. The Clerk to acquaint the Chairman when information had been received from the National Council, so that a parish meeting could be convened.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 17^th 1947, at Edlesborough Council School

Present: The Rev W.Edgar (Chairman), Mrs Osborn, Messrs A.Dyer, J.Costin, E.Pratt, S.Thame and 2 parishioners.

An apology was received from Mr L.Michaelis (Wing RDC).

Chairman. Mr E.Pratt was appointed temporary Chairman. The Rev W.Edgar was again proposed, seconded and carried for the ensuing year.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, passed and signed.

A statement of Parish and Charity accounts was read. The Parish accounts showed a balance of £37-2s-7d, which included £23-8s-3d garden rents payable in advance.

Randells Charity. Owing to bread rationing, and as approved by the Charity Commissioners, no allocation of bread was made. The Clerk was instructed to put a notice to this effect in the L.B.O, also to inform Mr Ashby of Dagnall.

New Hall. After a pamphlet by the National Council of Social Service had been read, and other discussions taken place, the Clerk was instructed to write and ask one of the above members to meet the Parish at a special meeting to further explain what help is given.

Parish Nurse Charity

Balance brought forward £7-0s-1d Edlesboro' Nursing Ass £1-1s-0d

Interest, 3% Defence Bonds £1-10s-0d Willard £5-10s-3d

" " " " £1-10s-0d Norman £2-18s-9d

Townland Charity £5-0s-0d Balance £10-10s-1d

" " £5-0s-0d

£20-0s-1d £20-0s-1d

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 30^th 1948 at Edlesborough Council School

Present: The Rev Wyndham Edgar, Mrs Osborn, Messrs A.Dyer. J.Davis, J.Costin, E.Pratt, S.Thame and 2 parishioners.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

A statement of the Parish and Charity accounts were read. The Parish account showed a balance of £14-10s-4d.

The Government rationing of bread being still in force, no allocation of bread was made and the Clerk was directed to notify Mr Ashby to that effect.

Mrs Osborn and Mr Thame reported that the WRDC were building the new cottages flush with the road side and the Clerk was instructed to write to WRDC asking that the said cottages be set further back.

Also that the pond at Dagnall which has had the path beside it raised and strengthened, should be made more safe by having a fence or guard rail placed alongside the pond to prevent children falling in.

Parish Nurse Charity

Balance brought forward £10-10s-1d Austin 2s-6d

Charity Commissioners £1-10s-0d Hartley 2s-6d

" " £1-10s-0d Willards £3-12s-9d

Townland Charity £5-0s-0d Holmes 3s-0d

£18-10s-1d Edlesboro' Nursing Ass £1-1s-0d

W.Norman £1-13s-8d

Cheque Book 4s-0d

Balance £10-9s-8d

£18-10s-1d

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 7^th 1949 at Edlesborough Council School

Present: The Rev Wyndham Edgar (Chairman), Mrs A.R.Osborn, Messrs A.Dyer, J.Costin, S.F.Thame and & B.T.Casbolt (the Clerk). Mr L.Michaelis of the WRDC was also present and 9 parishioners.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

A statement of the Parish and Charity accounts were read. The Parish account showed a balance of £14-10s-2d.

The Governments rationing of flour being still in force, no allocation of bread was made.

Dagnall New Houses. Mrs Osborn and Mr Thame drew the attention of the Council to the condition of the hedge in front of the new houses, complaining of the danger to children running through the gaps onto the roadway and suggested the whole of the hedge be cut down. Mr L.Michaelis of the WRDC said he would put the complaint forward.

Mr F.Ashby, who has for some time kindly allowed the residents of Dagnall the use of his field as a recreation ground has now decided to sell the field forthwith – if not sold, then to plough and cultivate it. After a discussion (at some length) it was decided that a meeting at Dagnall be called for the 9^th March 1949 for further discussion, at which Mr Dyer would attend. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Playing Fields Association explaining the need of Dagnall for a recreation ground and to solicit their advice and help in enabling the residents to have a playing field.

Complaint was made to the Council of the high hedge by the roadside opposite Ivinghoe Way blocking the view of traffic as children ran into the road and the Clerk was instructed to write to the County Council notifying them of the danger to children with a request that the hedge be cut down.

Street lighting was discussed and Mr Michaelis of the WRDC said the Council had the matter in hand.

 

The balances in the Bank of the several charities were as follows:

Church Estate Balance £20-2s-0d

Parish Nurse " £9-14s-4d

Randalls 1947 to 1948 & 1948 to 1949 £42-16s-0d

Gingers " £17-9s-5d

Chennills " £12-13s-3d

As mentioned earlier in the minutes the bread charities, owing to the restrictions on flour, have not been operated since 1946..

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 8^th 1950 at Edlesborough School

Present: Mr A.Dyer (Chairman), Mrs Humphrey, Messrs S.F.Thame, H.Humphrey, J.Costin, L.C.O'Shaughnessy and the Clerk, B.T.Casbolt and 7 parishioners. Mr L.Michaelis of the WRDC was also present.

An apology for absence from the meeting was sent by Mrs A.R.Osborn caused by the illness of her daughter.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

A statement of the Parish accounts and the balance of the several charity accounts as mentioned below were read and accepted.

The reply of the County Council to the Council's request that the narrow road fronting the new council houses constituted a great danger and asked for its widening was considered quite unsatisfactory and the Council communicated with Mr L.J.Hawkins C.C. asking him to raise the matter at the meeting of the C.C.

Complaints were made at the meeting of the bad condition of the telephone kiosks. (1) Irregular lighting. (2) Bad condition of the floors. (3) No path leading to kiosks. It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Post Master, Luton, notifying him of the condition of the kiosks, and asking, for the convenience of the users, the complaints mentioned would receive early attention.

The question was asked how long Randalls Charity had been in existence. A letter was sent to the Charity Commissioners to enquire for information concerning its history.

Polling Station Northall. For the convenience of residents a request was made for a polling station at elections and the Council agreed to forward the request to the County Authorities.

The report on housing was made by Mr Michaelis of the Wing Rural Council. His report shows much progress and was received with satisfaction.

For Edlesborough the WRDC are planning 8 new houses this year and 8 new houses next year.

For Dagnall the WRDC are taking more land sufficient for about 20 houses.

Randalls Charity. The Council having received notice from Mr F.Ashby that bread could be supplied, made arrangements for the supply of 513 loaves of bread at a cost of £21-7s-6d. This bread being distributed at Edlesborough 544 half loaves, Dagnall 310 half loaves and Northall 172 half loaves making a total of 1026 half loaves and given on Monday January 30^th 1950, leaving a balance of £42-16s-6d as follows:

1947 / 1948 Balance brought forward £42-16s-0d Loaves Distributed 30-1-50

1949 Income £21-8s-0d Edlesborough 544

£64-4s 0d Dagnall 310

Northall 172

1026

1026 loaves @ 5d = £21-7s-6d

Leaving a balance of £42-16-6d

The accumulated balances of the various charities are:

• Church Estate £20-17s-11d
• Gingers Charity £22-12s-9d
• Chennills £15-3s-3d

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 21^st 1951 at Edlesborough Council School

Present: Mr A.Dyer (Chairman), Mrs Osborn, Mrs Humphrey, Messrs J.Costin, S.F.Thame, H.Humphrey, L.C.O'Shaughnessy and the Clerk, B.T.Casbolt. There wer 13 parishioners present at the meeting.

Councillors J.M.Lyon and L.Michaelis of the WRDC were also present.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

A statement of the Parish and Charity accounts were read.

The Parish account showed a balance of £28-7s-6½d.

Randalls Charity accumulated balance 1947/48/49/50 = £85-12s-0d

Receipts Payments

£85-12s-0d 1950 £64-4s-0d

March 19^th 1951 £10-14s-0d

£85-12s-0d £74-18s-0d

Leaving a balance as on March 19^th of £10-14s-0d

The accumulated balances of the several other charities are as follows:

• Parish Nurse Charity £16-14s-6d
• Chennills £17-13s-3d
• Gingers £27-16s-1d

The question of Civil Defence was discussed and it was proposed by Mrs Mason , seconded by Miss Fowler, that a meeting be called to discuss civil defence and to arrange a date for the meeting.

Complaint was made of the inadequacy of the bus service supplying Dagnall and it was proposed by Mr O'Shaughnessy, seconded by Mr Rounservell, that the Council communicate with the Member of Parliament for the division (Aidan Crawley Esq) complaining of the insufficiency of the bus service and asking him to put the complaint through to the London Transport Board and endeavour to obtain for Dagnall an improved bus service.

Mr L.Michaelis in reply to a question re Dagnall sewerage stated that the work may begin in June 1951 subject to the report of the Government Inspector. The site for the cesspool was suggested as at the Hemel Hempstead end of the Village.

It was stated by Mr L.Michaelis of the WRDC that irregularities in the collection of refuse was caused by shortage of labour but were trying to get the work done by contract.

Proposed by Mr Ward, seconded by Mr Mason, that more lights be supplied at Edlesborough and asked for a light at Pine Road.

Proposed by Mr Mason, seconded by Miss Fowler, that the light near the Memorial Hall be placed on the opposite side of the road.

Proposed by Mr Francis Green that a light be placed west of Green's Garage at Dagnall.

Complaint was made of the bad condition of the track called Pine Road. This being a private way, the duty of making the road rests with the landlord.

It was suggested that the County Representative, Mr L.J.Hawkins C.C. be invited to attend the next parish meeting.

This concluded the business of the meeting.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 13^th 1952 at Edlesborough School at 7:30pm

Present: Mr A.Dyer (Chairman), Mrs Osborn, Mrs Humphrey. Messrs Costin, Humphrey and the Clerk, B.T.Casbolt.

There were 37 parishioners present at the meeting.

A letter of apology for absence from the meeting owing to indisposition was received from Mr S.F.Thame.

Our County representative, Mr L.J.Hawkins C.C and our Rural representatives, Mr J.M.lyon and Mr L.Michaelis were also present.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

Statements of the Parish and Charity accounts were read.

The Parish account showed a balance of £20-0s-8d

Randalls Charity. The balance as on March 13^th 1952 – nil.

Balances standing to the credit of the several bread charities are as follows: Townland Charity £10-15s-6d

Gingers £18-16s-11d

Chennills £15-5s-0d

Arising from the minutes it was stated by Mr Mason that Civil defence meetings were held weekly at the School.

Complaint was made of the bad condition of the paths in the Village in proximity of the Axe & Compass and the approach road to the bridle path by the Church and the Clerk was instructed to communicate with the County Council.

In reply to a question with reference to Edlesborough sewage, Mr Michaelis stated he could not give a date when such work would be started.

Mr Francis Green complained of rubbish being deposited by the roadside. It appears that the nuisance still continues and the Clerk was asked to request the Police to keep a sharp lookout fro offenders.

Mr Roy Jaggard suggested a telephone kiosk be erected at Church End.

Mr F.Dickens suggested that a light be placed in the Village nearby the Prince of Wales (public house).

Complaints were made of the poor lighting in houses. The reason being given for this was short supply of electricity.

The Rural Councillors reported there would be more houses for Edlesborough.

The question whether a farmer can dispossess a farm labourer of his cottage was answered by Councillor Michaelis, who said a farmer can dispossess a labourer of his cottage only to make room for another labourer.

A somewhat lengthy discussion took place on the question of allotment of the new houses. Some parishioners complained unfair distribution. In reply the councillors stated that every application received is dealt with very carefully and judged on its merits and that no one is favoured.

This concluded the business of the meeting and votes of thanks were proposed to our County and Rural Councillors and carried unanimously, and a hearty vote of thanks was given to the Chairman (Mr A Dyer) who so ably conducted the meeting.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 17^th 1953 at Edlesborough School

Present: Mr A.Dyer (Chairman), Mrs Osborn, Mrs Michaelis, Messrs Humphrey, Thame, Dickens and the Clerk, B.T.Casbolt. There wew 11 parishioners present at the meeting. Vouncillor L.Michaelis of the Wing Rural District Council was also present.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

Statements of the Parish and Charity accounts were read.

The Parish account showed a balance of £10-15s-5d

Randalls Charity

Receipts at Easter 1952 Payment at Easter 1952

£21-8s-0d For bread £21-8s-0d

Leaving balance Nil

Townland Charity

Receipts Payments

1952 balance brought forward £10-25s-6d 16/1/53 A.M.Fehr £2-9s-6d

Jan 2^nd 1953 3% Defence Bonds £1-10s-0d 23/1/53 C.A Willard £5-16s-0d

July 2^nd 1953 " " " £1-10s-0d £8-5s-6d

Balance in hand £5-10s-0d

£13-15s-6d £13-15s-6d

Chennills Charity

Receipts Payments

1952 Balance brought forward £17-2s-3d 3/4/52 Oakwell £3-4s-0d

1/1/53 Charity Commission !2s-6d

3/4/53 2½% account 12s-6d

June Charity Commission 12s-6d Balance in hand £15-15s-9d

£18-19s-9d £18-19s-9d

Gingers Charity

Receipts Payments

1952 Balance brought forward £31-1s-1d 22/11/52 Vasey £13-10s-0d

Jan 1st Charity Commission 12s-6d

Ditto 13s-4d

April 1^st 2½% account 12s-6d

Ditto 13s-4d

June Charity Commission £1-15s-10d

Oct Ditto £1-15s-10d

Oct 2½% account 12s-6d March 53 Balance £23-6s-11d

£36-16s-11d £36-16s-11d

Flood Relief Collection. Under the auspices of the Parish Council a collection was made throughout the parish which resulted in the sum of £28-15s-0d being sent in aid of the flood victims.

Flood Relief Clothing. The Vicar, Rev Jones, with helpers organised a collection of clothing whereby 16 sacks of clothing were sent to the distressed areas.

Complaint was made of closets now in use at the schools and it was proposed by Mr Duncan, seconded by Mrs E.Gadsden, that a letter be sent to the Education Department asking that they be replaced by flush closets.

Complaint was made of an high and overhanging hedge bordering Mr george Pratt's and the Clerk was instructed to send a letter to the County Council asking that it be cut back.

Mr Francis Green reported that a 30 road sign had for some months been knocked down and asked that the County Council be requested to attend to it.

Proposed by Mrs Gadsden, seconded by Mrs Humphrey, that a letter be sent to the Highways Committee of the County Council asking that in view of the dangerous of the roads that paths be constructed from Northall to Dagnall.

Mr Mason complained of having to pay the Rural Council for emptying his sewerage tank. He maintained that as he paid the sewerage rate the said rate should cover the cost of emptying his tank.

He also complained of 10% of the charge made by the Council for emptying the tank being given to the Council foreman on the job.

A somewhat lengthy discussion followed resulting in Mr Mason proposing that a letter be sent to the Rural Council protesting against 10% of the charge made being given to the foreman. The proposition was seconded by Mr J.Duncan and it was put to the meeting and carried by 7 votes to 6.

This ended the business of the meeting. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Mr Michaelis was carried unanimously.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 16^th 1954 at Edlesborough School

Present: Mr A.Dyer, Chairman, Mrs Osborn, Mrs Michaelis, Messrs Costin, Dickens, Thame, Humphrey and the Clerk, B.T.Casbolt. There were 11 parishioners present. Rural Councillors were present.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

The Parish account showed a balance of 5s-7d.

The balance standing to the credit of the several charities are as follows:

Townland and Nurse Charity £9-10s-0d

Gingers Charity £21-7s-4d

Chennills Charity £17-0s-9d

Randalls Charity Nil

At the Parish Meeting in March 1953, complaints were made of the danger to pedestrians using the road (from Northall to Dagnall) owing to lack of footpaths and the Council communicated with the County Council asking for paths to be constructed. After a lapse of 12 months the work had not started on construction of paths and after some discussion it was proposed by Mr Duncan, seconded by Mr Thame, that the Council again write to the County Council asking for paths to be constructed and that a letter be sent to L.C.Hawkins Esq ,our County representative, explaining the matter.

High mention was made of Mrs Mason for relief services rendered during the East Coast Floods.

Mr Mason asked that a light be placed midway between the Memorial Hall and the Church.

It was proposed by Mr Mason, seconded by Mrs Mason, that before any further planning of industrial buildings is made the feelings of the residents should be taken.

Mr Lyon reported that the new houses for Edlesborough would be commenced forthwith.

 

Randell Bread Charity addenda 12/4/54

• Income £21-8s-0d
• Bread distributed April 12^th 1954
•       Edlesborough loaves 263^4/5

Dagnall " 241

Northall " 180

684^4/5

684^4/5loaves @ 7½d= £21-8s-0d

Housing at Dagnall. Re answer to enquiries for more houses for Dagnall, Mr Michaelis stated there was no allocation of houses for Dagnall for the year 1954.

This concluded the business of the meeting and a vote of thanks to the Chairman (Mr A.Dyer) proposd by Mrs Michaelis, seconded by Mr Mason, was carried unanimously.

Special Parish Meeting held September 21^st 1954 at 8pm in Edlesborough Council School

Present: Mr A.Dyer (Chairman), Mrs Michaelis, Mr Dickens, Mr Costin and B.T.Casbolt (Clerk).

Mr J.M.Lyons and Mr L.Michaelis of the Wing Rural District Council were also present and there were 64 parishioners attended the meeting.

The Chairman explained the object of the meeting which was to discuss and vote on the proposal to build on land facing the road between the Memorial Hall and the Green and called on the Vicar (Mr Jones) to address the meeting, after which some discussion at length ensued.

The Vicar and Mr Britton agreed to have a plan made of the site for presentation to the Planning Committee and would call another meeting to discuss the plan and take a vote of the parishioners before proceeding with development.

After further discussion Mr Lyon proposed that the Parish do not object to the development of the site and Mr Dickens seconded. This proposition was put to the meeting and carried by 39 votes to 6, leaving 19 parishioners who abstained from voting.

The business of the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 15^th 1955 at 7:30pm at Edlesborough Council School

Present: Mr A.Dyer (Chairman), Mrs Osborn, Mrs Michaelis, Messrs Costin, Humphrey, Dickens, Thame and the Clerk, B.T.Casbolt.

Mr J.M.Lyon JP and Mr L.Michaelis our Rural District Councillors were also present. 26 parishioners attended the meeting.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

The financial statement was submitted to the meeting and also several charity accounts.

The bank balance standing to the credit of the Parish Council was £22-1s-9d.

The credit balance at the bank of the several charities are as follows:

• Randalls Bread Charity Balance Nil
• Townland & Nurse Charity " £18-0s-0d
• Chennells Charity " £19-10s-9d
• Gingers Charity " £17-8s-8d

The Council arranged the date for distribution of bread from Randalls Charity as on April 4^th 1955 in the following properties, namely:

• Edlesborough loaves 2634/5

Dagnall " 241

Northall " 180

684^4/5

684^4/5 loaves @ 7½d per ½ quarters = £21-8s-0d

Complaint was made to the Council of the danger to pedestrians using the road between Scots Farm and the School owing to the bend in the road and asked that a 'slow' or some warning sign be placed at that spot.

Chennills Bread Charity. Owing to the small number of parishioners qualified to receive bread from Chennills Charity (and as the funds are accumulating), it was proposed by Mr Michaelis, seconded by Mrs Osborn, that the Council approach the Trustees asking them to communicate with the Charity Commissioners with a view to transferring the funds to some other charity for the benefit of the Parish.

Complaint was made that on one occasion the conveyance to convey mothers with their babies did not turn up to take them to Edlesborough Clinic. Request was made for a clinic to be established at Dagnall.

From complaints received it appears that the roads at Dagnall are not being regularly swept and it was proposed by Mrs Fehr, seconded by Mrs Osborn, that the Council approach the County Council on this matter.

The question of bathrooms in the older council houses was raised at the meeting and it was proposed by Mr Michaelis, seconded by Mr Thame, that the Council put forward this request to the Rural District Council.

Contract for the new road has been made and 12 houses have this year been allocated to Dagnall.

Proposed by Mr Thame, seconded by Mrs Osborn, that a request be made to the Transport Commission for a more frequent service of buses for Dagnall.

This concluded the business of the meeting and a vote of thanks (proposed by Mr Michaelis) seconded by Mr Thame was given for the Chairman (Mr Dyer) for presiding at the meeting.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held March 20^th 1956 at Edlesborough Council School

Present: Mr A.Dyer (Chairman), Mrs Osborn, Mrs Brettell, Mrs Michaelis, Messrs Rev D.H.Jones, Dickens, Humphrey and the Clerk, B.T.Casbolt.

Absent: Mr J.M.Mason and Mr J.Costin.

Mr J.M.Lyon JP and Mr L.Michaelis were present at the meeting and there were 9 parishioners present.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

The financial statement was submitted to the meeting and also the several charity accounts.

The bank balance standing to the credit of the Parish Council £14-11s-1d.

The credit balance at the bank of the several charities are as follows:

• Randalls Charity Nil
• Townland & Nurse Charity Nil
• Chennills Charity £22-0s-9d
• Gingers Charity £23-2s-0d

The Council arranged for the date for the distribution of bread from Randalls Charity as on March 26^th 1956 in the following proportions, namely:

Edlesborough No of Loaves 249

Dagnall " " " 227

Northall " " " 166

Total 642 loaves @ 8d = £21-8s-0d

Dilapidated path in Summerleys. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Bedfordshire County Council asking that the repairs to the path be proceeded with forthwith as in its present state it is a danger to pedestrians.

The Clerk was instructed to write to the County Council complaining of the high bank and no path by Mr Mathew Smith's house, Dagnall, the bad state of the road from Travellers Rest to Dagnall and stagnant water by Mr Green's place and to ask the Council to give these complaints early attention.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held in Edlesborough School on Tuesday 26^th March 1957 at 7:30pm

Present: Mr A.Dyer, Chairman, Mrs Brettell, Mrs Osborn, Mrs Michaelis, Messrs Costin, Humphrey, Dickens, Mason, Rev D.Jones and the Clerk, Mrs Bodsworth.

Mr L.Michaelis of the WRDC was at the meeting and there were 11 parishioners present.

The minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

A letter was read from Mr J.M.Lyon resigning from the post of Trustee to the Townland Nurses Charity and the Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Lyon thanking him for his services during the past years. It was proposed by Mr Costin and seconded by Mrs Michaelis, that Mr J.A.Lyon be asked to be the new Trustee of this Charity and if he declined, Mr Mason who was proposed by Mrs Michaelis and seconded by Mr Dickens, was quite willing to do so.

Questions were asked concerning the building of a new house for the District Nurse. Mr Michaelis of the WRDC explained to the meeting the cause of all the setbacks and delays.

It was felt by parishioners that there should be more street lights in the village. Mr Michaelis again answered this question by explaining that all the villages are crying out for more lights and that we shall probably get 1 for the new housing estate in the near future.

A statement of the Parish and Charity accounts was read.

The Parish account showed a balance of £51-19s-7d.

The credit balance of the several charities are as follows:

Randalls Nil

Townland Nurse £14-1s-3d

Chennills £14-3s-3d

Gingers Nil

Randalls Charity Bread. Owing to the increase in the price of bread, it was agreed upon to postpone the allocation of the bread so that the Trustees could go into the matter more fully and find the fairest way to distribute it to the parishioners.

The question was raised concerning the need of a stamp machine at the Travellers Rest. The Chairman stated that he would first find out if anyone in the vicinity would be responsible for it, before the Clerk writes to the Post Master.

Quite a lengthy discussion took place about the outbreak of polio in the village. Parishioners felt that not enough was being done about it. Mr Michaelis explained that a great deal was going on behind the scenes to try and find the cause of the outbreak. Mr Michaelis stated that he would get some pamphlets giving the symptoms of the disease and they would be circulated in the village.

Concerning the lack of footpaths in Edlesborough, Northall and Dagnall, it was decided that nothing could be done at the present time owing to the cuts in expenditure made by the Government.

Concern was felt by the parishioners at the long time it took for an ambulance to reach an accident at the Travellers Rest. The Chairman said that he would get the exact facts before any complaints were lodged.

Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held in Edlesborough School on Tuesday March 18^th 1958 at 7:30pm

Present: Mr Humphrey, Chairman, Mrs Brettell, Mrs Osborn, Mrs Michaelis, Messrs Costin, Dickens, Rev D.Jones, Mr Michaelis of WRDC and Mrs Bodsworth (Clerk).

Minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

A statement of the Parish and Charity accounts was read.

The Parish account showed a balance of £32-12s-8d.

The current balance of the several charities are as follows:

Randalls £21-8s-0d

Chennilles £16-13s-3d

Gingers £3-17s-4d

Townland & Nurses £8-16s-3d

It was prposed by Mr Michaelis and seconded by Mrs Brettell, that the parish enter for the Tidy Village Competition and the Clerk was instructed to send in the entry form for the three villages to compete separately. Notices to be put up informing the parishioners of the competition.

Mrs Brettell informed the meeting that she had received many complaints that the light by Greens Garage at Dagnall was in the wrong place. The Clerk was asked to look up the minutes of the previous meeting to see why it was placed there, before asking for it to be moved.

Mr Dickens proposed and Mr Bierton seconded, that notices be posted in the three villages informing the public of the procedure for reporting street lights that are out of order.

Mr Bierton complained about the lack of a footpath from the Memorial Hall, Edlesborough to Pebblemoor. Mrs Michaelis stated that she would put this matter forward at her next Council meeting.

Mr Dickens gave a report on his meeting with the United Counties Bus Co. and it was decided by this meeting to write to the Bus Co. asking them to move the Bus Stop for Dunstable at the Axe & Compass to the other side of the public house (i.e. nearest the Church) as at the present moment it is placed in rather a dangerous position. When the bus is waiting it blocks the view round the bend in the road.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held at Edlesborough School on Friday March 13^th 1959 at 7:30pm

Present: Mrs Michaelis, Vice Chairman, Mrs Osborn, Mrs Brettell, Rev D.Jones, Messrs Costin, Dickns and Lyon, Mr Michaelis (representing Wing RDC), Mrs Adams, Clerk and 8 parishioners.

Absent: Mr Humphrey, Chairman, and Mr Mason.

The minutes of the last meeting were read, confirmed and signed.

Dagnall Light. Mrs Brettell reported that this had been placed where requested and the position was considered good.

The Clerk is asked to write to the Divisional Surveyor streeing the urgent need for a footpath from the Travellers Rest to Dagnall and pointing out the need for a footpath from the Travellers Rest towards Edlesborough, over the crown of the hill to Cock Close.

Tidy Village Competition. It was agreed unanimously that Edlesborough and Dagnall should enter for the competition.

A statement of Parish and Charity accounts was read and the balances are as follows

Parish account balance including petty cash 19s-11d

Balance of Randalls Charity Not available as one item is outstanding

Balance of Chennilles Charity £19-16s-7d

Balance of Gingers Charity £8-7s-4d

Balance of Townland &Parish Nurse Charity £10-16s-3d

Particulars of the charities were asked for but it was pointed out that trustees of private charities are not answerable to the Parish.

A letter from Mrs S.Thame was read stating the need of a bus shelter at Dagnall, especially for the benefit of the school children. Animated discussion followed and Mr Butler suggested that the Education Authority be asked to make a grant for the erection of a shelter to be used by school children. Mrs Michaelis pointed out that they have no authority to do this. It was also suggested that County districts subsidise town shelters, but Mr Michaelis explained that this was not so as each council is quite self contained. It was agreed that if any shelters were erected, a minimum of 5 would be considered necessary. The Clerk has obtained a number of estimates and it would seem that the approximate cost of 5 shelters would be about £630. To borrow this amount would mean levying an additional rate of 3d in the £ every year for the next 20 years.

The matter was deferred until the next Annual Parish Meeting, when it would be advertised on the notices displayed. Mrs Lunnon then suggested that if the need was really felt, the money might be raised by voluntary efforts.

A hole in the road between the Church and the Axe & Compass was reported and Mr Michaelis undertook to take the matter up with the Highways Dept of the C.C.

Mr D.Cutler complained of the state of Nelson Road and Mrs Michaelis stated that it will be seen to when the homes are completed. He also stated tht cars are permanently parked in the road and asked if garages could be erected. Mrs Brettell reported that the Wing RDC have a scheme for lock-up garages.

A request was made for a sign for Nelson Road and Mrs Brettell agreed to deal with this.

Mr Duncan suggested that the County Council be asked to repair the entrance to Pine Road. Mrs Michaelis pointed out that the County Council are not responsible for private roads.

Mr Duncan asked when the sewers for Edlesborough are to be installed. It was pointed out that the Ministry had decreed the work must be undertaken jointly on behalf of Edlesborough and Eaton Bray to save expense and therefore the matter is out of the hands of the Parish Council.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held at Edlesborough School on Thursday March 10^th 1960 at 7:30 pm

Present: Mr H.E.Humphrey, Chairman, Mrs Michaelis, Mrs Osborn, Messrs Costin, Dickens, Higgs and Mr Lyon (Clerk) and 14 parishioners.

The minutes of the previous Annual Assembly were read, confirmed and agreed.

The footpath from Dagnall to the Travellers Rest cross roads. Mrs Michaelis read a letter from the County Council Surveyor stating "that the County Council approve the suggested footpath and have forwarded a plan to the Ministry asking for a grant. The work will be put in hand on the Ministry's approval subject to funds being available." Mrs Michaelis added that these processes take time.

Tidy Village Competition. A Dagnall parishioner queried the value of entering for this competition since some roads, Nelson Road in particular, were not properly maintained by the Council and not swept by the local road sweeper. Considerable discussion took place about the advisability of entering the Competition.

On a proposition by Mrs Lunnon and seconded by Mrs Field, carried by 15 votes for and 4 against, it was decided that the villages of Dagnall, Northall and Edlesborough should again enter the Competition.

The Parish Council were to write to the District Surveyor regarding the state of the surface and maintenance of Nelson Road.

The Chairman upon request of a parishioner gave a brief description of the various parish charities and gave the current balances which were as follows:

The Parish account nett balance £18-17s-2d

Randall's Charity " " £!8-8s-0d

Parish Nurse Charity " " £13-7s-3d

Chennell's Charity " " ££22-6s-7d

Ginger's Charity " " £13-10s-8d

Bus Shelters. The Chairman pointed out that the figures given were for the shelter only and not for the erection which would be extra. After lengthy discussion the Assembly by a majority that they wished to have bus shelters.

A motion proposed by Mr Wright and seconded by Mrs Osborn that,

"the supply and erection of bus shelters be borne by a special fund and not come from the rates" was carried unanimously.

After further discussion a motion proposed by Mr Wright and seconded by Mrs Hunt, "That the parish be divided into sections for the purpose of raising money for the shelter in that particular section and each section to call a public meeting to discuss ways and means of raising the money," was put to the assembly and passed by 9 votes for and 6 votes against.

Edlesborough Sewerage. A proposed scheme was being negotiated between Wing RDC and Luton Rural DC regarding a joint sewerage plan for Edlesborough and Eaton Bray.

Dagnall Sewerage. Mr Green enquired about an extension to the Dagnall scheme towards the Travellers Rest. It was suggested that he should write to the Wing Rural District Council.

The Parish Council was asked to write to the Education Authority asking them to provide a house at Dagnall for a school teacher. It was asked to stress the need for a resident school teacher in the village.

The Assembly were informed that a teacher was willing to come to Dagnall if suitable housing or lodging was available. An offer of accommodation was made to the Assembly.

The Parish Clerk was instructed to write to the Highways Authority regarding the lack of warning signs at the Travellers Rest cross roads.

The Parish Clerk was instructed to write also to the Highways Authority regarding the provision of the LARGE model warning and restriction signs around the narrow part of the road by Edlesborough Church.

The Clerk was to inform the Highways Authority that a flagstone which had been broken for some time opposite Willards Shop on the Allotment corner of Brook St was dangerous and to ask them to replace as soon as possible.

The Clerk was to write to the Education Authority informing them that the School Bus from Dagnall to Britten St School, Dunstable, was overcrowded and therefore dangerous and would they please look into this alleged overcrowding and provide larger transport.

The Chairman gave a brief description of the duties and powers of the Parish Council, pointing out that these were limited and asked parishioners to put their queries and complaints to the Council.

The meeting was then declared closed.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held at Edlesborough School on Thursday March 23^rd 1961 at 7:30pm

The meeting was opened by the appointment of Mr J.A.Lyon as Chairman. This was proposed by Mrs Michaelis , seconded by Mr Mason and carried unanimously.

Present: Mr Lyon, Mr & Mrs Michaelis, Mrs Brettell, Messrs Dickens, Costin and Mason, Mrs Adams (Clerk), and 12 parishioners.

Apologies received from Messrs Humphrey and Higgs.

The minutes of the last Annual Assembly were read, approved and signed.

Tidy Village Competition. Mr Duncan asked if several visits were made to each village. Mrs Brettell, who has acted as a judge, said that this was so and explained the procedure. It was then agreed that Edlesborough, Dagnall and Northall should enter again this year.

Bus Shelters. Mrs M.Mead reported that no one in Dagnall had been willing to undertake the necessary organisation in order to raise the money.

Sewerage Scheme. Wing RDC have stated that their plans are in an advanced stage and Mr Michaelis reports that Wing RDC have to await the completion of the Luton RDC plans. Mr Duncan expressed disappointment that the Travellers Rest area was not included in the scheme and Mr Michaelis pointed out that a pumping station is not an economic possibility except in a built-up area. Mr Lyon then stated that the fault was certainly not with Bucks that the scheme had not yet been put into operation.

Dagnall parishioners expressed themselves very happy with the new School Teacher and it was stated that she did not wish for a house in the Village. Mr Michaelis told the Assembly that the Minister would not allow local authorities to build homes for school teachers, but Wing RDC had undertaken to allocate a home to a school teacher if one were available when required. The Clerk is asked to write to the Bucks Parish Councils Association and the MP concerning the desirability of having a house for a school teacher in isolated villages.

Dagnall School Bus. It is reported that the school bus is not so crowded now that the Technical School children use another one.

Travellers Rest to Edlesborough Path. Mr Duncan asks what is the position as regards the request for a footpath and Mr Lyon reported that the Bucks C.C had refused the request. It is agreed that the Council should be asked again. Mr Lyon reposted that work on the widening scheme between the Travellers Rest and Dagnall Crossroads would be commencing soon.

Nelson Road, Dagnall. Mrs Munt asked when the road will be swept and Mr Michaelis replied that the road had not yet been taken over by the County Council, but he added that the section in front of the ground by the Village Hall will be made up as an amenity.

The Parish account nett balance is £62-16s-7d

" Nurse's Charity account " " " £15-11s-3d

" Gingers " " " " " £18-14s-0d

" Chennells " " No figure available

" Randalls " " There is no balance as the amount received is immediately distributed as bread

Randalls Charity. After inquiry the Assembly was informed that the original title deeds were not at all clear an no particular piece of land was named. Mr Ashby took the responsibility over as a charge on the farm when the Brownlow Estate was broken up and the bread is distributed over a period to the poor and needy. The matter was gone into fully some time ago and it was recommended that the position be left as it was or the Charity might be lost.

Mrs Brettell then moved that the next business be proceeded with.

Gingers Charity. This was a Christmas Charity and therefore, as there was no incumbent at the time, no distribution could be made.

The Charity Trustees were entirely responsible for the distribution of each charity, but they were always glad to have any poor and needy not benefiting brought to their notice.

Bus Shelter. The Local Labour Party Association has written to the Chairman of the Parish Council stating that they would like to present a shelter to be erected at Church End, Edlesborough, and expressing thanks to Mr J.Lyon and to Mr Lyon Senior for the gift of the land upon which it will stand. Mrs Michaelis proposed a vote of thanks to the Labour Party and to Mr Lyon Senior for their kindness, energy and public spirit.

Village Green. The Assembly was informed that the Village Green is being given to the Parish Council by Mr F.Tooley and Mr Lyon proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Tooley for his generous gift.

Street Lighting. Wing RDC have recently asked the Parish Council for its recommendations and these were read to the Assembly. Mrs Duncan asked if one could be erected at the end of Pine Road and up the Tring Road and Mr Michaelis undertook to pass this request on to the Wing RDC. Mr Lyon pointed out that a lamp at the end of Pine Road might be dangerous to drivers.

Mrs Munt expressed her thanks for the light in Nelson Road, Dagnall.

Mr Duncan requested that the County Council be asked to make up Pine Road, but Mr Michaelis pointed out that the County does not make up roads, but only takes over any roads that are made by the developers of the area.

Memorial Hall. An answer has been received from the Oxford Diocesan Board concerning the possible transfer of the ownership of the Memorial Hall to the Parish Council, but the matter must now await the appointment of a new incumbent.

Mr Michaelis then proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for the pleasant way in which he had conducted the business and this was carried unanimously.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held at Edlesborough School on Thursday March 1^st 1962

Present: Chairman- Mr Mason, Mesdames Michaelis and Osborn, Messrs Costin, Dickens and Thompson, Mrs Adams, Clerk, Mr Michaelis representing Wing RDC, the Vicar and 19 parishioners.

Apologies received from Messrs Lyon, Humphrey and Higgs.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, approved an signed.

Sewerage. The work is still awaiting Luton RDC and Mr Michaelis stated that every 6 months Wing RDC approach Luton RDC. The Chairman promised that when the scheme comes, the Parish Council will press for the inclusion of the whole Parish. The Vicar proposed that a letter be sent to Sir Frank Markham expressing dissatisfaction over the repeated delay; this was seconded by Mr Duncan and carried.

Footpath between Travellers Rest and Edlesborough. The County Council has stated that the levelling of the footway over the crown of the hill is underway.

Village Green. The transfer to the Parish is now made and byelaws are being formulated.

Street Lighting. The provision of extra lighting already approved is in abeyance owing to national economy measures, but Wing RDC will proceed with the scheme as soon as they are able to. The Vicar proposed that a letter be sent to Wing RDC expressing disappointment at the delay and asking that work may be put in hand as soon as possible and that sodium lighting might be used. This was seconded by Mr Harris and carried.

Memorial Hall. The Vicar reported that the Parochial Church Council felt that the Church would suffer if it was given up and that no request to use by parishioners has ever been refused. A suggestion was then made that the parishioners should all get together to build a community centre.

School Teacher House. Provision is made by Wing RDC to allocate a house for a teacher if one is available. Mr Michaelis stated that it is an N.U.T. recommendation that teachers house should not be provided.

Mr Jarvis protested at the dangerous state of the road at Northall between the Village Green and the Old Wrestlers and proposed that a letter be sent to Bucks CC Highways Department deploring the condition of the verge between the Village Green and the Old Wrestlers, Northall and requesting that the road be made safer for pedestrians bearing in mind the increase in lorry traffic; this was seconded by Mr baker and carried.

The Vicar asked that a bridle path notice might be erected and he proposed this request should be made to Bucks CC; this was seconded by Mr Green and carried.

The Chairman reported that litter bins have been ordered for the Village Green. A need for bins at Chiltern Avenue was voiced.

Nomination Day for election of parish councillors is April 17^th.

A parishioner complained that he had been refuse planning permission for a house and that houses had since been erected – some for sale. The Chairman advised him to write to Wing RDC Planning Authority.

Bus Terminus. The Parish Council have pressed without success, for an extension of the terminus to Chiltern Avenue.

Churchyard Maintenance. The Vicar expressed his thanks and those of the Parochial Church Council, for the Parish Council's contribution towards the maintenance of the Churchyard.

Britten's Field. The Chairman outlined a proposal to purchase all, or part, of the piece of land known as Britten's Field. The Vicar considered that it would be wise to put aside a piece of land in the centre of the Village for the use of all. Mrs Baker suggested that if it was a choice between field or hall, a village hall was more urgent. The Chairman pointed out that ground was necessary if a hall were to be erected. Mr Jarvis then made a proposition that this meeting supports the Parish Council in its attempt to obtain the piece of land known as Britten's Field, or a proportion of it, as an open space and this was seconded by the Vicar; this proposition was then put to the vote and carried. The Chairman stated that a further meeting will be called later to discuss the matter. Mr Dickens asked that the Village be circularised and the Parish Council is to consider if the expenditure involved is permissible. A suggestion was made that those present should canvass personally.

The meeting was then declared closed by the Chairman and Mr Michaelis expressed the thanks of the meeting to Mr Mason.

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held at Edlesborough School on Thursady March 21^st 1963

Present: Mr Mason (Chairman). Councillors Mesdames Michaelis and Osborn and Messrs Lyon, Costin, Dickens, Duncan, Tearle and Towl.

Mr Michaelis and Mrs Brettell (representing Wing RDC), the Vicar, 30 Parishioners and Mrs Adams (Clerk).

The minutes of the last meeting were read, approved and signed.

Sewerage. Mr Michaelis of Wing RDC reported that there were two schemes under consideration for this area and which ever was adopted must take in the village of Edlesborough.

Additional Street Lighting. Wing RDC had the matter under consideration for this area, but additional lighting could not be installed until the survey of the whole area was complete.

Teachers House. It was felt that a house for a teacher should be available when required, but it was pointed out that this is difficult to arrange.

Dangerous Road B486. It was agreed that this road was greatly in need of improvement but this meant land acquisition and as it is of low priority, there was no immediate prospect of its being done. Mr Jarvis has checked that 64 adults, 4 teenagers, 19 school children and 8 children under 5 living in Northall have no alternative route to shops, school and church and he proposed that further representations be made to the District Surveyor in view of the extreme danger of this road. This was seconded by Mr Tearle and carried. A letter is to be sent immediately. Mrs Baker and Mr Paul have kindly undertaken to collect signatures to a petition to be sent to the District Surveyor in about a month's tome.

Bus Terminus at Edlesborough. Mr Dickens asked that further pressure be put upon the United Counties Omnibus Co to alter the terminus at Edlesborough from the Axe & Compass to Chiltern Avenue. It was pointed out that it was difficult to press the Company as they are not obliged to provide transport and the village could lose the service. Then Mr Dickens proposed that the Company be again requested to extend the service to Chiltern Avenue. This was seconded by Mr Tearle and carried.

Bus Terminus at Dagnall. Mrs Osborn informed the meeting that the people of Dagnall would like the bus from Dunstable to come to Nelson Road, as it did during the bad weather, instead of turning round up Studham Lane. Mrs Brettell of Wing RDC reported that the matter was already being taken up by her Council and Mrs Osborn agreed to let the matter rest for the time being as it was being attended to.

Tidy Village Competition. The Chairman appealed to the parishioners, on behalf of the Parish Council, to tidy up everywhere and raise the position of the village in the competition. The Vicar stated that the broken down Churchyard wall would already have been mended but for the delay owing to the weather. Young peoples assistance and the Parish Council grant have helped to improve the appearance of the Churchyard.

Complaint was made that Chiltern Avenue is not often swept, but it was pointed out that it is an offence to drop litter.

Northall School Children. The necessity for the transport of all children from Northall attending the Edlesborough County Primary School was stressed and it was stated that parents were willing to pay for those not eligible for the transport. Mr Michaelis of Wing RDC pointed out that Mr Green's was the only tender received in response to a public advertisement. All children for whom there is a legal obligation were transported and the entire seats were given to others for a small fee. Mr Green's vehicle was not large enough to take all the children and a duplicate journey by the same vehicle is not allowed. However it was suggested that parents could make their own arrangements with Mr Green. The special case of one parishioner who declared that he lives more than the statutory distance from school and yet his children are not given free transport is to be taken up. Mr Duncan asked if the whole matter could be taken up by the Ratepayers Association and the Chairman suggested that those prepared to support this suggestion should contact Mr Duncan.

The Vicar reported that the drain from Sharratt's Garage is blocked and water to a depth of 9 inches now flows under the Memorial Hall and asked the Parish Council to take up the matter.

Complaints were made that several lights in Edlesborough were out of order and that some are old and outworn. It was reported that faulty lights in Dagnall had been put in order the previous week. Light wardens in each village have cards which they dispatch as soon as a complaint is received. Mr Michaelis and Mrs Brettell agreed to take up with Wing RDC any special cases such as the one complained of by the Green. If any lamp gives continuous trouble, the Clerk should be notified and the Parish Council will then take the matte up with the RDC.

Restricted Speed Area. It was pointed out that the speed limit of 30 miles per hour was now in force along the whole length of the High Street, but no signs have yet been erected.

Village Green. Mr Lyon asked that all parishioners passing the Green will see that the playground equipment is not being misused, particularly by children over 15. It was felt that those responsible for damage were not only children living in the Parish and the Vicar asked if a notice could be erected limiting the use of the equipment to children under 15. The Parish Council is the consider this matter.

Britten's Field.. The Chairman explained that a resolution was made at the last Parish Meeting supporting the Parish Council in its attempt to obtain the piece of land known as Britten's Field, or a portion of it, as an open space. The owner is not willing to put a price on the land and so the District Valuer has been approached to negotiate a purchase price for 5.4 acres of Britten's Field and if necessary, a compulsory purchase order will be asked for. It would be expedient to act now before sewers are installed. A promise of £2,500 or half the cost if less, has been received from Bucks County Council. When a figure is agreed the Parish will be informed. The Vicar voiced the crying need for extra recreation ground. Some opposition was expressed. Then Mrs Michaelis supported the Vicar's contention and added that she felt that the community should appreciate that the Parish Council is progressive and forward looking and that the villagers should support it. In answer to a question, the Chairman stated that the Parish Council had not exceeded its terms of reference in opening negotiations. When a price is agreed, the Parish Meeting must then give permission for a loan to be raised. Without this land in question, which provides the only opportunity for the village to acquire adequate facilities for games and other sports, could not be purchased. Mr Duncan suggested that Britten's Field is stint land and therefore already belongs to the Parish. It wa explained that the authorities had already been informed of this suggestion and that the title would be looked into carefully by the legal experts before any contract was signed.

Mr Michaelis propsed a vote of thanks to the Clerk who attends voluntarily.

The meeting was then declared closed.